Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 08, 2003 04:25am | #1

   You might be unaware that writing in ALL CAPS on forums is considered shouting and rude.

   I don't think that Zoro needed a fireplace. He used Spanish Ladies for warmth. His zero clearance poicy involved holding them tight.

   If you want masonry heaters, Loof for Swedish fireplaces or Rumsford design. In general, an open fireplace is not efficient, period. To speak of efficiency, you need to control the draft. Without doing that, the typical modern deep well fireplace does a better job of air conditioning than of heating

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   BungalowJeff | Sep 08, 2003 06:12am | #2

   But Piffin, big open-hearth fireplaces make good backdrops for Zoro's romantic scenes....that's not a mistake, it's rustic

1. 
   tenpenny | Sep 08, 2003 03:23pm | #3

   In Quebec there is a company called RSF that makes some nice units; the TOPAZ model has a door that opens and slides into a pocket, so you can have to open front for effect, or close the door for efficiency.  There are probably a gazillion others.

   http://www.icc-rsf.com

2. 
   RussellAssoc | Sep 08, 2003 03:36pm | #4

     Outside combustion air source, closed doors, preferably glass for aesthetics, several name brand makers, are reasonably efficient.  Even these are generally net losers of heat.

      The most efficient way of doing this, is to go to her house and lay in front of her fireplace.

     As far as the caps, in my old age it's kind of nice to have someone speak loud enough to be able to hear them.

1. 
   tenpenny | Sep 08, 2003 04:55pm | #5

   "go to her house and lay in front of her fireplace"

   And, for those who are sticklers for grammar, I can only say....EXACTLY.....

1. 
   RussellAssoc | Sep 09, 2003 05:23am | #6

     Exqueaze me, lie, drink her wine, and be able to leave when you want to.  The problem with this forum is you's guys that paid attention in school.  I was enjoying my ignorant bliss.

1. 
   markls8 | Sep 09, 2003 07:40am | #7

   Look for an EPA rating on the fireplace. EPA - rated FP's put out 1/10 th the particulate emissions than  non- EPA rated FP's (yes - 1/10th!). More and more fireplaces are getting the EPA rating as the manufacturers put out new models that meet the requirements.

   Look for as small a firebox as possible. Greater efficiency can be achieved with a smaller firebox without the use of a catalytic combustor, which a larger firebox must have to achieve the same efficiency. Catalytic combustors must be replaced every few years at considerable cumulative cost.

   To my knowledge, all EPA -rated stoves and FP's are sealed combustion and use secondary combustion to achieve maximum efficiency.

   Using outside air for combustion is a good feature, as it doesn't take warm air from the house for combustion (which would otherwise be replaced by cold air being sucked in from outside somewhere else in the house, like maybe a water heater exhaust pipe), and cold air is denser when needed for improved combustion ( = improved efficiency and fewer emissions).

   Also look at the burn curve for the stove you are looking at. Some FP's burn at a higher peak efficiency for a shorter period of time than others which maintain a somewhat lower efficiency but maintain it over a longer period of time. Choose one that suits your expected pattern of use.

   If you like, choose a glass-door insert not only for the ambiance, but because you  can have more feedback on the fire for fine-tuning it, and the air-wash system on modern FP's virtually eliminates the hassle of cleaning the glass.

   The jury is still out on the electric blowers as far as scientific research goes,  but in my own experience, they don't do anything that isn't done better by a well-placed ceiling fan.

   In Canada three quality brands that carry such inserts are BIS, Napolean, and Regency.

   In some jurisdictions, and under some circumstances, depending on the amount of change in pressure in the house, an HRV or ERV will be required in new construction when a wood burning appliance is installed.

   Good luck - Brian.

2. 
   HammerHarry | Sep 09, 2003 12:57pm | #8

   In my high school days, to lay in front of the fireplace was EXACTLY what I was aiming to do......

1. 
   RussellAssoc | Sep 09, 2003 02:36pm | #9

     A lofty and rewarding pursuit.  You can't beat a man with a plan.