fireplace, gas insert

[lazydays]

I have a wood fireplace that is very small. I'm considering a gas insert that would be primarily for looks. It would be a bonus if it could serve as a 2nd heating source but is not necessary. I can call and get quotes locally but I would love some advice as I start exploring my options. Best brands etc?

[davester]

There is a very large cost difference between a gas insert used for heat and gas logs used for decoration. They are very different products. Sounds like you just want gas logs. Sorry, I can't help you with recommendations on those.

[Racer X]

The natural gas or propane plumbing can get pretty spendy. Could be thousands. There are smallish inserts that do heat. If you want to make it worthwhile, look at it from that angle.

[cbelt3]

Get some quotes from your local fireplace shop. They will hook you up.
Gas lines are only pricy if your run is very far, or you live where union labor and permits out the wazoo are required .

[Numo]

I like having our gas fireplace in the basement as a backup source of heat if the furnace were ever to go down. It wouldn't keep the house toasty, but it would be enough to keep the pipes from freezing in winter.

[Fritz]

this is what we bought some years ago.
http://vermontcastings.com/
it does provide decent heat.
We had plumbing in place already, so it was an easy hook-up by the dealer.
I have no idea what we paid..
It needs to be cleaned of dust once a year, preferably before season.
The dealer will suggest a return for him to do, but it's quiet easy if you're even a little mechanically inclined.

[Thrift Store Scott]

Fritz wrote:
this is what we bought some years ago.
http://vermontcastings.com/
it does provide decent heat.
We had plumbing in place already, so it was an easy hook-up by the dealer.
I have no idea what we paid..
It needs to be cleaned of dust once a year, preferably before season.
The dealer will suggest a return for him to do, but it's quiet easy if you're even a little mechanically inclined.

Very interesting. The "Savannah" model fireplace insert looks like it might be narrow enough to fit some of the originally coal-burning fireplaces around here.

[OWC Jamie]

you could search or sign up and pose queries here:
http://www.hearth.com/talk/forums/its-a-gas.16/

you won't get much help to do anything that doesn't meet code there

you might find a search for 'vermont castings' there ----- interesting.

[lazydays]

Thanks for the link to that forum billb. I am exploring...

[Fritz]

wha'd I miss? I know they were sold a few years ago.
None the less, ours has been fine since we've had it.
The cats enjoy it year round, even just a pilot light.
Furry whimps