fireplace or add wood burning insert

[nycdisneygal]

Made the leap from NYC to the suburbs. Previous owners had wood burning insert. We wanted to buy from them but they had sold to someone else. Its about 3K to buy a new one.
What is advantage of it? Does it heat better? Safer?? I have no idea. please help!!

 

[tvguy]

With an insert, the heat goes in the house, not up the chimney. With the doors, the fire is sealed in, so safer, yes. I'm surprised the people you bought your house weren't required to leave the insert, that would be part of the house. to me.

 

[cabanafrau]

If the removal of the insert wasn't disclosed and agreed to prior to purchase you may want to speak with your real estate agent to attempt to find out what the requirements are where you live. Here a fireplace insert would definitely be an item considered part of the home and therefore included in the sale.

A $3,000 item is not insignificant. We gave up on pursuing light fixtures that were removed from our first home because it wasn't worth going after, but $3,000 is a different story. Friends of ours went to move into a home they purchased to find all light bulbs removed, all curtain rods removed -- including shower. Who does that?

 

[easyas123]

We have one gas fireplace in the in-law suite, a regular wood fireplace in our sitting room, and a wood burning stove in our finished basement. Built this house about 5 years ago - have always had a fireplace, won't build a house or buy one without one - but not for heat, rather I just really like a wood fireplace. That being said - our wood fireplace in the sitting room puts out some heat! No insert, in the the sitting room. The wood burning stove in the basement heats up the basement AND we've added vents that allows the heat to really rise up to the main floor. We find them both to be really efficient, although in truth we didn't necessarily design it to work that way! I'm in MD and I doubt we will need to put the heat on until December because I have a fire every evening in the sitting room. That being said - our kids have moved out so it's just the two of us and for the most part our day to day living takes place in the kitchen, sitting room and our bedroom which is directly off of the sitting room. If the boys still lived at home then I'd probably need to have the heat on earlier. Put the gas fireplace in the in-law suite for my Father, from whom I got my love of fireplaces ha ha! But he's older, so it's nice for him if he is up in the colder weather to not have to fuss with firewood.

I do know others who have the insert and swear by them, so I'm sure they are worth the $$$ if you deem it a needed item. I agree with others that if it was included a part of the description of the house you purchased, that it should have been left there. I think it's odd they'd have sold it...and something I would pursue with the listing agent, although if you've already gone thru the final walk thru and to settlement but didn't notice it or bring it up then I don't know if there is much to be done. Good luck, I hope you can resolve it in your favor.

We also have a gas fireplace outside in our backyard, as well as a outdoor wood fireplace built out of pavers down on another part of our property, for a total of 5 different fireplaces/sources. Now that I type that out it does seem a bit excessive!

 

[nycdisneygal]

Thanks everyone!!It was in disclosure... also we were negotiating as they were moving (they were a job transfer).... and other complicated issues tooo.

Anyways, appreciate all the responses!! helpful! THANKS!

 

[Sjm9911]

What they said, the insert will make heat, the other just ambiance( and a bigger heating bill) where did you move to?

 

[nycdisneygal]

Connecticut!

 

[Sjm9911]

Spring for the insert. Get a good one with a blower, make sure there is ellectric there to run the fan. A good insert will throw out a bit of heat. Its nice to have in the winter.

 

[disney junky]

Just to toss in a couple ideas, a pellet stove insert is an option. The fuel is easy and readily available.

In the 80's when we first got married, I had a wood stove. Getting wood was fun at first, had a chain saw and my grandfather had an orchard that needed clearing of dead trees. I had a friend with a splitter, so it was fun and hard work, but I was young. After awhile, it became much more of a chore.

We also had a coal stove. This was a bit easier, but keeping the coal lit (usually for weeks or months at a time if done correctly) was a challenge.

All of these are available in inserts.