Any recommendations for prefab wood buriing fireplaces? Don’t really know what to add here. This is for new construction. I am torn between pure asthetics and heating function. Pretty sure I do not want to go traditional masonry contruction (block and clay flue).
Thoughts?
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Replies
I saw a company that made a prefab fireplace that went together like Lincoln Logs, all you had to do was add mortar between the lifts. It came in a few different styles, but it was built for peeople who aren't stonemasons to be able to assemble.
We recently installed a fireplace insert into an old Heatform (similar to a Heatilator) unit. The insert we chose is made by Morso. It also comes with an optional steel jacket so that it can be installed as a zero clearance fireplace. Unlike a fireplace the Morso has a killer door with a very large window. It will add a great deal of heat to our house. While firing it in the evening, the forced air does not come on. Actually, the indoor temperature goes several degrees above the thermostat setting. I don't think this insert is as efficient a heating device as is a free-standing wood stove, but its close. And it looks more like a traditional fireplace.
Fireplace
Thanks guys.
As for the lego set version, yes, there are Isokern and Firerock. I have not checked to them yet, and they are ture open hearth fireplaces. That is an option, but not an efficient one.
Then there is the Morso ... I will check it out. I looked at a Extrodinare fireplace and they have some pretty nice features (positive presure in the house by bring outside air into the house to be heated which is blown into the room which creates a positive presure which then push air into the firebox for combustion and replacement air. Also has a damper which can be opened creating a straight shot up the flue when starting a fire in a cold flue and also makes cleaning very easy.
Start with the EPA list
I'd start with the EPA list of certified stoves, at the bottom of list they have the contact information for the manufacturers. Quite a few of them also make fireplaces.
http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/publications/monitoring/caa/woodstoves/certifiedwood.pdf
Last winter we installed a Quadra Fire 700, a high efficiency, non-catalytic equipment, EPA recognized fireplace. Highly recommended, locally at any rate. A heatilator product. After living with it for 2 winters, I'd say avoid at all cost. It may be efficient but the quality & usability are seriously lacking.
Ed
If you want the most efficient and miserly wood consumption.....
look into masonry heaters.
The contraflow design, mass, and long term radiant heat they produce along with the quick, hot and efficient burn will pay off in time-question is, do you want heat, ease of use, efficiency etc..........
or the look of a fire burning for the mood.
If for the mood, sink your money elsewhere and get a cd of a fire and play it on the big screen.