Advice/Recomendations Sought for Fireplace Installation

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FiRrE mE Up
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Post by FiRrE mE Up » Sat. Dec. 03, 2011 9:41 pm

In process of finishing construction of a fireplace where I would like to install a coal stove and am developing some questions as to what would work well for my situation.

Background

Fireplace opening is 32" wide By 36" high
Hearth is blue stone @ floor level and 24' deep & can be easily extended at this point to any size although if it is possible to keep it @ 24" to meet the 18" clearance from combustible (hard wood floor) materials would be nice but not critical

Would prefer free standing vs insert type

House is one floor 2400 sq Feet

Questions that come to mind


Noting that I would like to use the 24' hearth probably requires that the stove be embedded part way into the fireplace so stove height is a consideration and I also assume top loading could be an issue. What do I need to aware of here in choosing a stove for this application?

Another thought is the exhaust from top or out the back to be ducted up the chimney/insert is it possible to do it from the top with the stove mounted in the fireplace? This might allow me to keep the 24' hearth size or is it more common to exhaust from the rear?

Advice/ Stove Recommendations/Point me in a direction would be much appreciated.

Thanks All

 
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freetown fred
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Post by freetown fred » Sat. Dec. 03, 2011 9:45 pm

Check out HITZER's web site.

 
franco b
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Post by franco b » Sat. Dec. 03, 2011 10:26 pm

To keep the 24 inch hearth all but 6 inches of the stove would have to be inserted into the fireplace. This would mean an insert stove or extending the hearth to accommodate a free standing stove.

Insert stoves present a problem both in installing and in servicing the stove and the chimney. It just takes trouble to get at anything.

The best way to install a free standing stove into a fireplace is to cut a hole above the damper and install the stove as if the fireplace was not there. Extend the hearth by tiling over the existing hearth which is the easiest way since the present hearth is flush with the floor.

The other not as good option is to install going up through the fireplace damper.

Look at the thread "pictures of my stove" for some ideas.

 
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ValterBorges
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Post by ValterBorges » Sat. Dec. 03, 2011 10:29 pm

What Kind of heat, dhw system you have now?

For a little more than an insert you can get a stoker boiler with hopper or auger and go for days before reloading or emptying ashes. You can also get the dhw coil and/ or plumb to indirect tank for cheap practically unlimited hw.


 
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freetown fred
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Post by freetown fred » Sat. Dec. 03, 2011 10:33 pm

Won't look very good in his fireplace/hearth ;) Like franco b said, you are going to have to extend the hearth to accommodate the style you are thinking about.

 
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ValterBorges
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Post by ValterBorges » Sun. Dec. 04, 2011 10:26 am

I look at it this way.

If you are retired, work from home, or the wife/husband will help with refill,clean, and you don't have small children, then coal insert works.

If you work long days away from home, do all the filling, refilling, or you have small children, then I would go with stoker w hooper or bin.

 
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freetown fred
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Post by freetown fred » Sun. Dec. 04, 2011 10:44 am

I think franco b brings up a good point about inserts--from what I've read on hear, and having a friend that has a Hitzer 503??? I think that's it--they tend to be a PIA. Plus personally, I prefer the free standing models with a hopper--definetly with a hopper. ;) I want the heat in the house, not in the fireplace.

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