from Jane in Seymour, WI:
#989
We just purchased a home and would like to convert the existing wood burning fireplace to gas. How do you know what insert is the right one? Of course we are concerned about efficiency but would like to get the best unit for the price. Should we spend more to get 84% efficiency or is something with 79% just as acceptable? We will need a unit with approximately 34,000 btu's. Also, is there brands that are better than others?
Choosing the right insert for your fireplace...
With reference to your question about efficiency; the more you intend to use the fireplace insert, efficiency becomes a bigger issue. Of more important concern is the safety aspect. You have two choices in terms of how the insert is to be vented; direct vent or traditional chimney. We would recommend a direct vent model (pipe within a pipe).
While a traditional fireplace (or insert) provides an open burning chamber that vents through a chimney, a direct vent fireplace (or insert) does not require a chimney, and can vent horizontally out a sidewall or vertically to the roof. The direct vent fireplace also has a completely enclosed chamber that is highly efficient, drawing in air for combustion from the outside and expelling combustion gasses to the outside as well. The front glass enclosure is porous, allowing radiant heat to pass into the room. The direct vent fireplace heats a room without robbing it of oxygen or of the heated air it is providing, while also keeping it free of fumes and combustible materials such as embers or ash.
With respect to brands; Focus on Energy is brand neutral. I might suggest doing some on-line research to locate suppliers in your area.
For further information about fireplaces and fireplace inserts, check out the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association (HPBA). HPBA is an international not-for-profit trade association established to represent and promote the interests of the hearth products industry in North America. The association includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, manufacturers' representatives, service and installation firms, and other companies and individuals - all having business interests in and related to the hearth, patio, and barbecue products industries. They also have a fact sheet on fireplace inserts that would be a good resource.
Published Thursday, March 10, 2011