As previously mentioned, we are in the process of remodeling the upstairs of our 1881 home–currently the upstairs is gutted to the studs.
In the master bedroom, we are considering installing a gas fireplace in front of a non-functional chimney (that was previously “vented” for a woodburning stove–i.e. there was a hole in the chimney where the “clay” vent pipe was let into the chimney).
We are thinking about placing a gas fireplace in front of this chimney (but still built into a wall) and venting through the chimney with ss vent pipe…So I have a couple of questions:
1. Is the venting “idea” possible/recommended?
2. While the house is old, there is not much architecturally speaking, left on the inside, so we are not too concerned about period aesthetics ….but that being said, many of the gas heaters we have seen look too modern and/or cheap. Do you have any recommendations of a well made/nice looking gas fireplace?
FWIW, we will have a gas heater upstairs as well, so this fireplace is mostly for “ambiance” rather than heat–but it would be nice to use to heat the one room only.
Thanks for the help…
Replies
Can not really answer the question on venting, but can give you an example of a gas fireplace the fits your bill. I am sure there are other options out there though.
http://www.heatnglow.com/products/fireplaces/gasFireplaceDetail.asp?f=13700
Dan
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans." - John Lennon
Take a look at Vermont Castings (http://www.vermontcastings.com). They sell both gas fireplaces and gas wood stoves. Maybe the wood stoves are more "authentic" for the house.
As far as the venting, most manufactures have venting requirements (length, number of elbows, etc) for their products. Might check with them when looking around.
--Rob
As for the "look" of the unit....thats all in the finishing. Well....that and the planning of course.Be sure to choose a unit that will not only fit the area you intend to install it in, but will allow your finish, i.e. mantle, surround, etc. In other words....don`t go for the biggest unit the space will allow so that you end up having to squeeze some cheap mouldings around it.
As for venting.....while it is not my area of expertise, I believe most units require a 12" double wall vent stack. Be sure the existing chimney will allow such a large pipe. Although another idea would be to direct vent it right through the sidewall....so you`re not limited by the existing chimney.
There are a number of quality manufacturers and units on the market. I recently installed a Heat-n-Glo unit in my own home. I found they had a good selection of styles and sizes. The unit I purchased has an option to connect a heating duct to the unit should you desire to heat other areas of the home. I use mine to heat my shop/garage directly beneath the room my unit is located in. A seperate fan is turned on to heat the area only when I need to.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
the fact it is for "ambience" gives you many a choice - I've seen some electrical little ones that don't look so bad
that said a great unit for you will be the glass doored vermont castings units that can be direct vented out wall or up your chimney - think you do it w/ 3" pipe but definitely not larger than 4"
they have them w/ fans to circulate the heat and remotes so you can keep a hand on her or your glass of merlot
you may find they heat too much so open the doors to the other rooms and you may find your other heater redundant
I'll be installing mine anyday now as I repair the top of my chimney
Enjoy John
4" ?!
I don`t believe it!J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
####month ago we bought a Lopi gas stove (they also make fireplaces.) They have a patented system for making the "fake" logs that go in such stoves. The look is incredible. You really have to look closely to see that it isn't a wood fire.
I highly recommend the Lopi. There is a website, but you need to see the fire burning in person to get the effect.
I have no connection with Lopi.
The Lopi pipe (which can run up your existing chiminey) has two sections. One is for outside air to come to the flame and the other section is for venting combusted gasses. So no cold air in the house to feed the fire.
just caught your reply/question
we're talking gas venting - for sure 4" works and as I say maybe 3"