Hey everyone. It's been awhile since I've stopped by Hometalk. Been busy setting up our veggie garden.
by
Mikki C
+13
Anways.. the question I have for you all is this.. we have an old masonry fireplace. I don't think it's original and or was rebricked at some point. I recently had it inspected and told it was inoperable because it needs to be lined and a new cap.
We don't want to use it as a masonry fireplace - we would like to put a wood stove insert.
I was told we still need to have it lined, cleaned and inspected before putting an insert in.
Does anyone have experience with this and does it sound right?
We are in central Florida so it does get REALLY cold, but it does dip down a few nights every year.
Thanks so much
Our firefplace - the double mantle is supposed to be 'unique' for this house, so we were told.
16 answers
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I also just had an idea.. wondering if it would be easier to put a gas fireplace in as a replacement since we have natural gas at the house already. Thoughts?
Mikki C
on Oct 12, 2011
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Love the double mantle and why not just go with gas log inserts?..either propane or natural gas would be a super energy saver and heater and all you need is flex duct to vent up and an electrical outlet for the blower! Gas is the way to go energy wise...we just converted here and it works GREAT! Good free standing sets at all the vest and apron stores for a few hundred bucks on-line and many with free shipping. I'm sure there's an Amerigas outlet near you too...let us know what you think! JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 12, 2011
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JL's got your plan. Second his opinion. Also have to add that I am jealous you are starting some vegetables now. I was scrambling this week to save my remaining vegetables before the first frost.
3po3
on Oct 12, 2011
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Yes, it does. Any type of fossil fuel will require some sort of liner inside the chimney. A gas more then any other. Gas creates water and acid as a byproduct of it burning. The moisture carries the acid out. However if the moisture condenses so does the acid which would run down the interior of the older liner and cause it to decay faster. A new liner that is properly sized will create the proper draft and carry this all outside without doing any damage. Stainless steel is suggested, while steel coated in aluminum is common, but does not last. Lining for a gas system will cost a bit less then lining for using wood again. Some of the new gas log systems if properly set up can fool you into thinking its really wood. The last thing you can do is install a vent-less gas fireplace. These use a catalytic converter type system that makes these safe to allow for the combustion gasses to enter into the room. However you should always use a CO tester in the area and keep a window open when using this type of unit.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 12, 2011
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What about using a gel insert. I don't think you'd have to change anything to use one of those. http://www.ventless-gel-fireplace.com/21-log-and-grate-set.html
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 13, 2011
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Gas insert probably is your best bet. You definitely need a liner no matter which way you decide to go, but for a gas unit, it would be a smaller liner so less expensive for that portion of the work.
Nichter's Home Services Corp
on Oct 13, 2011
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Another consideration is "how green" do you want to be...burning gas ( a non-renewable resource) or burning wood...(a renewable Carbon Neutral fuel). Either one will require a new liner...gas liners are typically cheaper. since this in Pre-existing flue the need for a full "class A rated" chimney (which is typical for a wood stove) would generally not be needed here. I have two wood stoves in my home...and I had to laugh when you used Cold and Florida ...together. Last feb I recorded a new low at my home... - 42.7F.....thats nearly 75 degrees of frost...needless to say some of my neighbors had frozen and broken pipes We often get -10 to -20 but that arctic blast was hum dinnger.. The below pic is a woodstove I installed for a client...here we replaced an older wood stove insert with a free standing Soapstone unit.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 13, 2011
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True that we don't normally think of FL as a cold place. I have lived in both FL and CO. But the last two years have seen record breaking cold for record breaking periods of time down there. All while we here in Maine have had milder winters, strangely enough. Uniquely, they close schools there due to cold sometimes. This is because school districts have negotiated low rates with the electric companies, but a feature of the agreements is that FPL can kill the power to the school when temperatures hit a certain low point. This is when they are in danger of roilling brownouts due to increased energy demand to heat homes etc. That makes gas or wood seem wise as a backup.Gas is far less polluting
Nichter's Home Services Corp
on Oct 13, 2011
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Wow! You guys are great! Thanks so much. Talked to the hubster last night and we are going to look into going with a gas fireplace. Will keep you updated as to how it all goes. Thanks again!
Mikki C
on Oct 13, 2011
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Mikki, A typical fireplace chimney cannot accommodate the extremely HOTTTT fires generated by a wood stove...They can be very dangerous if installed wrong and can cause fires. BE very careful. I personally would prefer gas logs, they won't generate as much heat but in my opinion are much safer.
Inspection Connection, LLC
on Oct 16, 2011
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Gas logs it will be. Just now to find the right person to install and the right fireplace
Mikki C
on Oct 16, 2011
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On Line Home Depot, Lowe's and Ebay all have several selections available now. Good luck, I just went with a "Buck" brand...JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 16, 2011
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Mikki, Just be sure who ever installed the log system that they if required in your area that they have license to work with gas pipe, and that permits are pulled and then inspected. Just because you purchase this through a fireplace shoppe or local supplier means that they know how to put them in. All gas fireplaces require a shut off located within view of the log system outside of the fireplace itself. This is not including the one that is located where the log system is nor the one where the gas pipe is going to be tapped on to or where the gas comes into the house. That NO flex line enters into the fireplace area through any wall or floor. Only steel pipes are allowed. No copper pipe is used at all. Do not allow the flex line to be run up through any clean out door. This must be properly piped through drilled holes. Hot embers can ignite and fall down into the clean out and possibly start a fire. Seal off the clean out door so nothing can enter into that area. Flex gas lines that are certified can be used to deliver the gas to the location of the fireplace emergency shut off valve, but not to the log system. This flex system is not the same type of flex you use to connect a dryer or stove. It has special fittings and can only be installed by certified contractors who have been approved by the manufacturer of the system used. A poorly installed system can burn down your home in a flash, get it checked and done professionally.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 17, 2011
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Thanks so much Woodbridge. Wow. Great info. I contacted our local gas company and was given a name of a company that they KNOW is licensed. Now we wait - we are having the fireplace cleaned/swept on the 26th. From there will have it inspected to make sure it's ok to put the gas fireplace in. Thanks again.
Mikki C
on Oct 17, 2011
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So glad I could help. Take a photo of it once its done so we can all sit back and relax watching it.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 18, 2011
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If you get sentimental about missing the campfire smell you can always pickup some Pinon incense. http://www.inscents.com/incense/pinon-box-with-40-bricks.html This brand has been my favorite for years.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 18, 2011
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