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A big part of the problem is that the chimney on a fireplace wastes so much of the heat. In order to work well the chimney has to draft... that is, the heat rises up the chimney as outside air is drawn in to feed the fire, which has to be kept high enough to create the draft. Get the balance wrong and a fire in a fireplace can actually cool a room down. The heat that gets into the room is entirely radiated heat in one direction.
The stovepipe on a stove is more efficient, and requires much less heat for the draft to operate well. That means that a stove can be loaded up, and dampered down to create a slow steady fire that can last all night. In addition, the entire stove radiates heat in all directions, and the rising hot air circulates into the room, rather than being sucked up the chimney.
If you're starting from scratch, for the reasons already given a free-standing will do better.
The benefits of a insert is that you can easily use the existing space (hearth, mantle...) and they don't take up floor space. In many applications, the chimney is easier to do on the insert.
I have an insert and it warms the house nicely (including all night).
A big part of the problem is that the chimney on a fireplace wastes so much of the heat. In order to work well the chimney has to draft... that is, the heat rises up the chimney as outside air is drawn in to feed the fire, which has to be kept high enough to create the draft. Get the balance wrong and a fire in a fireplace can actually cool a room down. The heat that gets into the room is entirely radiated heat in one direction.
The stovepipe on a stove is more efficient, and requires much less heat for the draft to operate well. That means that a stove can be loaded up, and dampered down to create a slow steady fire that can last all night. In addition, the entire stove radiates heat in all directions, and the rising hot air circulates into the room, rather than being sucked up the chimney.
I meant to ask: the wood burning stove insert to an existing fireplace or the wood burning stove stands by itself in the room, which do you think give more heat?
If you have a fireplace, go with an insert. If not, put in a freestanding. A fireplace even with the damper closed, will still draw warm air up the chimney. An insert should seal it and keep the draft from happening when not in use.
I meant to ask: the wood burning stove insert to an existing fireplace or the wood burning stove stands by itself in the room, which do you think give more heat?
Technically, the same amount of wood produces the same amount of heat regardless of what type of stove is used. A wood stove will radiate more heat because it likely has greater surface area exposed to the room, but an insert with blowers can circulate heat just as well. I don't think you'll notice the difference as both can heat you out of the house in about the same amount of time.
If you're starting from scratch, for the reasons already given a free-standing will do better.
The benefits of a insert is that you can easily use the existing space (hearth, mantle...) and they don't take up floor space. In many applications, the chimney is easier to do on the insert.
I have an insert and it warms the house nicely (including all night).
Quote:
Originally Posted by akck
If you have a fireplace, go with an insert. If not, put in a freestanding. A fireplace even with the damper closed, will still draw warm air up the chimney. An insert should seal it and keep the draft from happening when not in use.
The efficiencies are going to be nearly the same if not identical.
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