Had the chimmney guy out to clean the fireplace and was told to not light any more fires until it is fixed. He recommended a fire insert. I'd get wood burning with a fan. They say it is very efficient and generates a lot of heat. They want $6k installed.

anyone ever had this done. Was it worth it? is $6k a decent price? Any info would be appreciated.

I do not have the insert but an actual free vent blowing wood burner I use to heat my house. I do know that a top of the line wood burner fire insert should only cost around $2,600 to $3,000. So they want to charge you approximately $3,000 for installation. Don't know where you live but I find that price a little high. Are they just putting in the insert and that's it? If so- I believe this price is a little high. If they are doing some chimney work along with the insert then it's a good price. I believe with the inserts you need to run a "liner" up the chimney. Did they mention that? I will say the free vent does heat my house relatively well. Though- the room it's blowing in get's VERY hot and in my case we cannot use that room when I am burning full tilt. I recently added some gravity vents in room above and it helps but still get's crazy hot in the room where the burner is. I do know that burners and inserts are very efficient. I save approximately $1,500 a year on my oil bill (I have an oil furnace). I also love wood heat- it's just seems more dense than any other heat.

I do know when they install the inserts- they basically "fit" (slide) the unit in and that's it. It is heavy so I understand some of the costs for installation but $3,000 worth- seems a little high unless that includes the liner installation and liner.

Happy Fire Burner hunting!

RNK

Yes, it includes the liner. The problem was I had some gaps in my mortar which is a fire hazard. The remedy was either rip out some glazed creosote (much more expensive) or install the insert with the liner. So it includes all of that.

If you don't know the chimney people really well, I would get a second opinion.
Fireplace repair/cleaning people aren't on the top of the list for being honest service people.
Many have been ripped off this way.


Tom

Yes. Very true. Definitely get a second and a third opinion!

RNK

I know the fireplace people. My partner's son used to work for them, so they are reputable