Can you put a propane insert in a normal fireplace???? Our current fireplace has a heatolator with fans on it would this need to go away??? It would be nice to use the fans as one goes to the master bedroom!!!
Fireplace Question
- Thread starter B7510HSD
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dave1949
Super Star Member
Generally, yes you can. Have a stove installer look it over and you will have a better idea.
Technically, you need a licensed gas plumber for the propane installation.
Technically, you need a licensed gas plumber for the propane installation.
dave1949
Super Star Member
They would, but for the stove itself and how it will fit in the existing fireplace opening, I would rely on a stove shop that sells propane stoves. They will have a licensed person for gas, and will be able to tell you if you need to make any changes to the flue also.
Do you have an existing outside air supply for the fireplace? Propane stoves can be installed with a double walled flexible flue that is run inside your existing chimney. One portion of flue pipe is outside air supply the other is exhaust. I think they can go 25' in length/height with this.
dave1949
Super Star Member
I think the challenge is going to be making use of the heat-o-later ducting with the propane insert. I haven't seen a heat-o-later in decades and I don't know what the insides look like.
They make some sweet little cast iron propane stoves. They look just like the same model in wood stoves. No fans, quiet, may have to extend your hearth though and you want to use the heat-o-later ducts. If you can't do that, it is an alternative. Heck, put one in the bedroom while you are at it. :laughing:
They make some sweet little cast iron propane stoves. They look just like the same model in wood stoves. No fans, quiet, may have to extend your hearth though and you want to use the heat-o-later ducts. If you can't do that, it is an alternative. Heck, put one in the bedroom while you are at it. :laughing:
dave1949
Super Star Member
Here is an example. This one is 18.5" deep and has zero rear clearance. Your rear would be the existing fireplace anyways, not a combustible surface.
Jotul GF 200 DV II Lillehammer Gas Stove
Jotul GF 200 DV II Lillehammer Gas Stove
dave1949
Super Star Member
It would look different. They do look better in a space that was designed for a stove IMO.
Propane stoves can use quite a bit of propane. A gallon of propane has about 91,000 btu's. A 30,000 btu stove would use a gallon roughly every three hours, is the way I understand it. If you burn it 6pm to 6am, 12 hours, that's four gallons per day, 120 per month.
dave1949
Super Star Member
For 700 sqft, I doubt you would need a 30K btu stove, maybe only half that if it is reasonably insulated. So the usage would be half also. 60 gallons per month.
Wood depends on so many things. If you have your own and cut and split it, etc., it is the cheapest not counting your time. If you buy it ready to burn (after some more seasoning usually) it costs a lot more.
Here is a neat fuel cost comparison calculator someone posted in another thread about firewood:
Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator
OP
B7510HSD
Veteran Member
Hey thanks for that I will mess around with it see what it has to say!! I don't have my own wood supply any longer and we were hoping to get rid of some of the mess with wood!! I would rather spend my time flying kites than splitting wood truth be known!! 
