Replies

1. 
   calvin | Dec 26, 2010 09:00am | #1

   baja

   by freestanding fireplace, do you mean something that looks like a wood burner?  If so, and you wish to use the old flue-that's where your checking of specs should be centered.  Location, size and type of existing flue.

   There are many wood stove type heaters that have pretty good visuals (of faux logs burning).  Vermont castings is one.  There are those that include soapstone for heat retention.

   best of luck.

2. 
   DanH | Dec 26, 2010 10:47am | #2

   Flue issues are apt to be a problem.  Likely anythng new you buy will be speced for a flue of different construction from the old one.  Even if the old flue is realistically adequate, it will be difficult/impossible to prove that code-wise, and not too confidence-inspiring.

3. 
   BajaScout | Dec 26, 2010 02:40pm | #3

   Appreciate the Advice

   Guess  I need to do a little more research and find the unit I need and then determine the flue requirements. Also should probably research code requirements.

4. 
   rdesigns | Dec 27, 2010 10:19am | #4

   Wall furnaces of the kind that install partially within the wall cavity had type BW gas vents that are not supposed to be used for venting any other type of appliance.

   If the old heater was vented with Type B gas vent, it can be used for a new heater that is designed for venting with type B gas vent.

   The old vent should have a sticker or even be embossed with what type of vent it is--either type BW or type B.

5. 
   BajaScout | Dec 29, 2010 07:20am | #5

   Found a gas fireplace that may work

   I think I found a gas fireplace that may work. I located a store here in San Diego. I am setting in the the Jotul Allagash. Here is a link to the store web site: http://www.ashwarmhearth.com/gas_fs.html.

   There are two types of vents available, direct vent and B vent. I won't be able to use my old flue but should be able to utilize the same roof hole anyways. I am not sure whether to get the direct vent or the B vent. The B vent is less expensive. The salesman said either would work fine and be within code, however the direct vent is better in newer homes that are more airtight sealed. I have an older home that is certainly not airtight, so I am leaning towards the B vent. Is there other things I should be considering when deciding what type of vent to use?

   Thanks for all the suggestions so far. They have been very helpful.

1. 
   rdesigns | Dec 29, 2010 09:35am | #6

   Direct vent systems are a little more efficient and safer. Instead of the term "direct vent", I like the British term "balanced flue", because that's what you get--any pressure imbalances in one pipe are balanced in the other, so the risk of backdrafting is greatly reduced.

   But, as you've been told, either B vent or direct vent meets code and will perform well.

1. 
   BajaScout | Dec 30, 2010 11:11am | #8

   Thanks

   Appreciate the feedback. That seems to be the general consensus. 

2. 
   Shacko | Dec 29, 2010 04:52pm | #7

   Gas Fireplace

   Whatever you do INSTALL A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR!!

   The local newspaper had two instances today caused by carbon monoxide.

   http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/

1. 
   BajaScout | Dec 30, 2010 11:12am | #9

   Good advice

   I will take that advice and have a Carbon Monoxide detector installed. Will also give me some peace of mind.