We have a wood burning fireplace that's an energy hog. Lots of cold air penetrates through it even with the damper closed. On top of that, it supposedly has a crack in the lining that will cost about $350 to fix. I hate it and don't use it. Do I have any options for getting an insert that will enable me to use the fireplace to generate heat? Maybe one of those ventless gel-fuel deals? If I get an insert or whatever else you suggest, please let me know if I'll need to fix the lining in order to use it. I do not have propane or natural gas in the house. Thanks!
2007-02-08 08:09:49 · 4 answers · asked by curious1223 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Please state if you're talking about a vented or a ventless option. Thanks!
2007-02-08 08:31:36 · update #1
You could close off the top of the fireplace and install ventless propane log set. With ventless, all heat produced stays in the house. of course you would have to have a tank and gas line hooked up but some propane companies will do this for free. The gel fuel is mostly for looks and not a cheap heat source.
2007-02-08 09:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by morris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything you use in the fireplace will still exploit the crack in the lining. If you truley want to use the FP, (and repair is out of the question) get a VENTLESS heater which can be mounted in the space of the fireplace and which would NOT need either the chimney, flue or the space of the fireplace where the crack is found.
Seal the Flue and seal over the crack so that no compromise of the fireplace is found. THEN install the insert.
2007-02-08 08:18:24 · answer #2 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a wood burning stove many years ago. Got tired of the mess and converted to gas logs(the kind that put out heat). You might have to get your lining fixed, depending on the extent and placement of the crack. $350 sounds like a deal to me. We had ours crack while using the wood stove. Had the fire department out here to take care of the heavy smoke. Thankfully, we didn't have any inside damage done to the house. We had it repaired before going gas. Putting in a Propane tank and line should be easy enough, for the professional. Have people come out and give you estimates. We need the heat for that particular room. So it's been a wonderful way to go for us. I'm talking about a vented option.
2007-02-08 08:23:50 · answer #3 · answered by janice 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no insert necessary...
close the damper & get vent free logs!!!!! ( glorified space heater people have been heat with them for years!!!! without incident )
don't listen to all the nabobs that will tell you you're going to die if you do...
why does lowes & h-depot sell them, & why are they ul listed????? HMMMMM?????
you can do it your self too, w/ a wrench & soap!!!
2007-02-08 14:23:20 · answer #4 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have probably spent more than the 350 it would cost to fix the existing problem in excess heating and cooling bills. just fix wat is broken.
2007-02-08 15:50:31 · answer #5 · answered by bdsee68 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋