Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 30, 2009 04:39am | #1

   Just about every manufacturer of gas fireplaces makes direct vent models. 

1. 
   Butch70 | Oct 30, 2009 04:53am | #2

   Thanks Steve, I will do my homework better!

2. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 30, 2009 03:50pm | #3

   Should be lots of brands available.

1. 
   johnharkins | Oct 30, 2009 06:57pm | #4

   if it works for you
   you can insert a freestanding stove like Vermont castings has
   more efficient than fireplace models

1. 
   Butch70 | Oct 30, 2009 07:30pm | #5

   Thanks for your input John.  I will look into the availability of the stoves.  As you say, the stove would be much more efficient than a fireplace.

   My intent is to upgrade an existing very small and inefficient fireplace with one that looks nicer and has a much more efficient operation.  I do not plan to use it for heating the house, but just occasionally for the "atmosphere". 

    

    

2. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 01, 2009 04:46pm | #8

   Why would the stove necessarily be more efficient than the fireplace style? I'd think they are largely the same kind of device w/ different looks.

1. 
   johnharkins | Nov 02, 2009 08:07pm | #9

   you know i kinda thought that after i typed & posted
   fireplace units have definitely improved in these more recent yearswhat I have done for customers who did not want their fireplaces but were in need of primary or auxiliary heat source and had that flue / install freestanding gas units that are efficient; all or most of their footprint is now in the room rather than under the flue, and the fireplace usually needed a new facade and the say Vermont Castings unit is aesthetically pleasingwe had same issues as touched upon above & have been very pleased
   our olde locomotive sized boiler has been demoted to auxiliary status and for us empty nesters the freestanding unit is numero unoour comfort / cost quotient has improved at least 400% but the dynamic is so situational / site dependent has little relation to "general" applicationalso never sealed air infiltration on fireplace unit but considering what I've seen / experienced would prefer sealing flue around venting pipe(s) of freestanding unit to those in fireplace unitI've much appreciated your input on energy matters, thanks

1. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 03, 2009 05:18am | #12

   I've much appreciated your input on energy matters, thanks

   Thanks for the vote of confidence. It must mean I tend to explain things so people understand, not just spout my opinion/point of view. I've been in the energy business almost 30 years now. Always learning, though. Spent a good part of that in the PNW centered primarily around Spokane ... the 'other' Washington ;)

   Glad to help ... the more people understand energy, the more they accept some of the concepts and technologies there to help them. The better decisions they make, the more money they save ... it's all good stuff. Understanding the basic science is the key to begin to make better decisions (understanding the economics is another big part).

2. 
   migraine | Nov 02, 2009 11:22pm | #10

   I think the main difference between the free standing and fireplace inserts is when the power is out.  When there is no power the circulation fan does not work.  This leaves the stoves to radiant heating,  The free standing stove will radiate the heat better because of more exposed surface area.

   Maybe not a totallly accurate statement, but that is my understanding.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 03, 2009 04:53am | #11

   You are likely close to being right. An exposed unit that will still heat will undoubtedly provide more heat to the surrounding space than an enclosed unit that will likely result in higher flue gas temp (i.e. less efficiency) if the fan is not allowed to dissipate the heat like it is designed.

   But given the design condition (i.e. fan on in the fireplace unit), the fireplace unit may remove the heat from the firebox and put it in the room more efficiently. I suspect the small penalty of the fan is offset by the better heat distribution. Again somewhat theoretical and highly dependent on how well the unit is designed overall. Good concepts/intentions can fall flat on their face if the design doesn't really back it up.

2. 
   migraine | Nov 03, 2009 08:20am | #13

   the reason why I posted this was due to living on the Washington Coast where the area was known for long term power outages.  When there is no power those fans don't work.   That is where the free standing one benfits more than the insert type. 

   When It comes to the "look" I like the free standing ones, but I still enjoy the whole fireplace and mantel look.   There are some great companies out there with grills for any design style form contemporary to traditional.  

   Fireplace extrodinaire has some great stuff.

3. 
   JAlden | Oct 30, 2009 07:34pm | #6

   We just installed this one in our bedroom.

   http://www.jotul.com/en-us/wwwjotulus/Main-menu/Products/Gas/Gas-stoves/Jotul-GF-200-DV-II-Lillehammer/

   It's a very nice stove. I'm sure you can find cheaper ones out there.

1. 
   Butch70 | Oct 30, 2009 11:01pm | #7

   Thanks "J", a very nice looking stove!