Where do I find fireplace information?

[BrightBay]

We have an insert in a 10 year old house. It's the "pretty" kind with glass and brass doors, a blower/fan. It's nice for ambiance, but we need actual heat other than when you are right in front of it. The outer chimney is brick, but the inner part (I think) is just triple wall pipe. There are white fire brick "walls" on the three inner sides of the current insert. They are solid sheets.

Where can I find information on what options we have to replace our current unit? I don't even know where to begin. There was a cast iron insert in a sale paper this weekend. How do you find out what is safe?

[BrightBay]

I'm replying to my own thread.

This is what caught my eye:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2426_200442426

Do you compare heat output by comparing BTUs?

and I'm finding information like this:
A fireplace insert is essentially either a woodstove or a gas fireplace that is designed to be installed in an existing fireplace enclosure, usually requiring a masonry fireplace due to safety issues regarding proximity combustible materials.


from here:
http://www.fireplacesandwoodstoves.com


Do I call a general contractor for help? I wanted a "real" fireplace when we moved in here and our contractor chuckled and said no one even knew how to make those anymore. (we're in the south and it seems like no one messes with wood burning, if anything they have a gas fireplace) So, I wonder if I can even find a contractor who knows enough to help me. A chimney sweep? There are fireplace installers that install the type I have, but they're in the next biggest city which is a long way away.

[andy h]

I sounds like you have a prefab fireplace. Buck Stove makes one that should work in it. The chimney will need a liner instaled to from the top of the stove to the top of the chimney.

[BrightBay]

Thank you!

Who would I call to inquire about installing the sleeve? Just a general contractor? Or does it need to be a fireplace expert?

[andy h]

Have a stove shop or a chimney sweep install the stove and liner.

[meanwhile]

Where (in NC) are you? If you are near Brevard, go over to the Etowah Fireplace Shop. They are nice, will talk to you and give advice. They have a web site too with good information.

http://www.etowahfireplace.com/

[JUllom]

Hearth.com. The forum is one of the most active forums I've ever been on. Lots of good information and advice on there. Good luck.

[Wintergrower_OH]

I would have stove / fireplace come out to inspect the fireplace / chimney . I highly recommend hitzer . Their is a masonry club in nc .

http://www.hitzer.com/

[Wintergrower_OH]

http://fernandosstoneworks.com/ - Google them . Their are others .