Yeah, I am thinking of removing the token fireplace in my cookie-cutter home. After careful research the previous Winter and the rather manageable NG bill this season, that wood-only gas-starter included fireplace seems a bit trivial.
I had thought about using gas logs, but according to the manufacturer I cannot do that with the model unit in my home. In conclusive, its a wood-only unit and the NG line and burner is only for starting a wood fire. As such, I was thinking about removing it and replacing it with a more robust unit.
In fact, the 3-3.5′ wide 1.5′ deep boxed stack that clears my 12-18′ tall family room is rather large considering what it is housing (ss flue). I wonder if I could open up that ‘box’ where it is inside the family room and insert a wood stove. Thoughts on the crazy side of this?
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Lots of ways to skin the cat......BUT !!
Better ask your house insurance agent if they allow free standing wood burning appliances....and if they do what are their guidelines?
If the insurance allows same then see if your city has any regulations/codes pertaining to wood burning appliances.
If both give you the thumbs up then do the rework in a very professional manner, which mean more $$$ & time and probably a professonal to do or assist with the details.
Through the years I have seen this done by many....most have been unsafe "Rube Goldberg" arrangements, some have even burned down the house.
Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector.
Good Luck...................Iron Helix
Prefab fireplace chimneys are proprietary and some use the outer rings of the chimney to cool the firebox surround and although they look the same, are significantly different from a wood stove chimney.
In other words, you'd need a whole new chimney system to vent a wood stove safely.
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