Fireplace insert

[IrTxRx]

I purcahse a fireplace insert, sanded it down and repainted it. Looks pretty sharp now.

Here is my question, I am going to hire a professional to install it, but I am getting mixed opinions on wether I should have a flu liner installed as well (makes cleaning the chimney easier) or just shove it into the fireplace and exhaust up the existing flu???

My thoughts are for something I will probably be using for the next 30- years, why not spend the extra dollars now for the liner. But if it is a completely unnecessary $500-$750, then I would rather have the extra money /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Thanks in advance to tthe TBN braintrust.

FYI - I live in Texas and would use it for 3 month tops and I got the forced air insert for $100

 

[Egon]

Chances are the chimney should be of a specific diameter so the flue gas velocity is high enough for a proper drawing stove. This diameter showld be matched to the type of insert.

Egon

 

[IrTxRx]

Egon - Dumb it down for me...
I think your answer was "yes, get an insert but make certain it is the right size." How do I make certain the chimney expert is installing the right size?
Thanks

 

[cowboydoc]

The first insert we got I just dumped in and everyone said it would be good enough. NOT!!! Get the proper sized flu and liner and be done with it. You will be much happier with the draft and you won't get smoke in your house. Also it's easy for you to clean it. I bought a $40 unit from Menards and clean it once a year. One visit from the chimney sweep is $150.

 

[Onthelake]

IrTxRx,
I built a house 20 years ago here in Central Tx. Put in a woodburning stove. Never used it but about 5 times. It never got cold enough in Tx to burn the stove hot enough the way it was designed. Also, the draft never was right. Never could get it to work correctly. Smoked everytime I tried to use it. I think the chimney was the biggest problem. Finally ripped it out and put in a beautiful bookcase. Problem solved. Read the manufactures instructions for chimney requirements carefully and follow accordingly.

 

[1bush2hog]

If the insert was purchased used, you may want to check the thickness and condition of the metal. Also may want to consider lining the interior of the stove if not already lined.

With the better quality, more recent production stoves this may not be an issue.

Some of the older models were cheap for a reason.

 

[Egon]

Can't really dumb it down as I have no information on insert size, type etc. and even then you'd still need manufactures recomendations.

But do get the insert. There are different kinds out there. One is stainless steel pipe that comes in sections. I have just heard of another that is stainless steel that is accordianed together and it is streched to proper length.

These type of inserts are made to fit a proper chimney that meets standards. If the chiney does not meet these standards there are other types of chimneys that are insulated and quite expensive.

More options than this but these are all Im familiar with.

Oh-and do not forget chimney/roof clearances.

Egon

 

[gsganzer]

I'll elaborate on Egon's reference to the flue being sized properly for velocity. It's a common problem with stoves, wood furnaces and inserts.

If the velocity through the chimney is too slow, the exhaust will have too much residence time, the gas will cool and condense out moisture. This makes a huge mess and will cause corrosion of your insert.

This is how people run into problems:
The stove, wood furnace or insert may have a 6" exhaust flue. This is because it's sized for the burning rate and flow rate for that particular device. The problem arises when they duct this into an existing flue with a much larger diameter. The flue gas velocity drops because of the larger area and condensate problems result. Any stove place should be able to give you the proper flue diameter requirements. They'll need the insert model, existing chimney flue diameter and flue length.

 

[IrTxRx]

Thanks all,

the insert appears to be in "like new" condition, but I would guess it is 20yr old, so finding specs for it will not be easy. All of the fireplace companies will not install unless I purchase one of their units. Sounds like a flu-liner is definitely the way to go.

If I can find an independent installer, I will still feel like I got a bargain.