Fireplace insert

How are they for heat output, any brand recommendations, any features to look for, insulated flu beneficial if going thru a current chimney?
 
We have an older fireplace. What did they say was wrong? I've been thinking about getting it cleaned inspected but worried they will tell the wife it's done for and needs a $5K insert. Very interested in learning here on what to look for.
 
I have a Buck 85 insert in my masonry fireplace. It also has an insulated stainless flexible liner. The heat output is phenomenal in my opinion, it will keep my ranch style house warm, although the temperature isnt consistent through the house. The living room will be hot enough to melt the dog to the couch and the back bedroom will be cool. I like the liner, in my opinion it makes the stove draw air better, but I dont have any scientific proof to back it up.
 
Output is definitely better then an open fireplace. Insulated line vs chimney masonry is more about keeping the pipe at temp for better draft over heat output unless the flue is damaged and requires a metal liner.

A long cold masonry liner will tend to not draw as well until up to temp unless you have a fan assist. Sweating and condensate is also mitigated somewhat because of temp changes with a insulated liner. The biggest benefit is creosote management. All woods outgas heavy vapors ladened with unconsumed residues. They tend to accumulate worse in cooler flue arrangements just like a reflux tower on a moonshine still.

The other biggest change is commercially manufactured retail inserts or even free standing now have to meet certain standards for efficiency and clean burn. The take away is any stamped and approved unit sold new will out perform any insert grandpa or parents bought years ago. They burn cleaner, hotter and the design redirects a lot of btu previously sent out the pipe.
 
ghost said:
We have an older fireplace. What did they say was wrong? I've been thinking about getting it cleaned inspected but worried they will tell the wife it's done for and needs a $5K insert. Very interested in learning here on what to look for.
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Built in 1938, as the house settled gaps formed, open directly into the attic space. Not going anywhere, but never had a chimney cap so settling and erosion made it leaky, donā€™t want my attic catching fire or carbon monoxide risk, it was pretty bad from the camera footage. Inspection was only $300 well worth it just to know whatā€™s up. The insert will have a sealed flu
 
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Loganwayne said:
I had an old one then bought one from northern tool and a liner and installed myself. It had the catalytic converter in it. Or whatever they called it. Seasoned wood only but only used 1/3 as much wood and stayed hotter longer
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Watch out for the methheadsā€¦theyā€™ll be crawling down your chimney to get that converter.
 
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