With an electric insert, I do not see any need to worry about the condition of the existing fireplace, chimney, etc. As long as the insert will fit in the "hole", you will be safe. As to heat output, electric inserts are mostly for looks, not enough heat for a large room. Most are only 1500 watts or 5100 BTU. If the room stays above 60 degrees from other heat sources (including surrounding rooms), maybe. Otherwise, you would need at least 10,000 BTU for 200 sq. ft.
Get a regular portable 120 volt electric heater (1500 watts)and try heating the room with it. If it is adequate, your golden (with a 1500 watt insert).
--- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, "Tori" <fertilegrnd@...> wrote:
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> Thanks. I simply asked " im considering getting an electric insert for my existing old fireplace which has never been used since ive lived here, do i need to prep the fireplace with clean and inspect first?" his reply was " i dont know what u mean" so he later explained that the insert would seal off the chimney so there is no need for prepping. Someone mentioned they use wood in their insert. I thought inserts were only for gas, electric heating or no heat just visual options.
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> --- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, "hapennyherald" <hapennyherald@> wrote:
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> > If you are planning on removing the insert later you need to pay particular attention to how they plan on installing the insert. For some that also vent in the combustion air the flue damper is removed making the fireplace unusable if the insert is removed. I agree the chimney needs to be inspected and perhaps cleaned first. Then keep asking until they give you an answer that you understand and makes sense. If you are using gas and planing on venting up the chimney and using room air for combustion it is pretty straight forward and in general should be reversible.
> > David
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> > --- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, "Tori" <fertilegrnd@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Ive decided in order to heat a room, I should make use of the never used old fireplace by investing in a fireplace insert. The question is: I've made calls to a company that inspects cleans and supplies stoves n inserts but Im not getting a straight answer on what I need to do. Do I need to get the chimney inspected first and energy efficient ready? Or will that actually be resolved with the purchase of the insert and their sealing of the area. To me, the insert is temporary so the next owner can use wood if they want so it seems I need to check out the usability of the chimney first? Also, in what case would one buy an insert from a big box store? Of course safety is a concern.
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