Fireplace insert

Question

I recently bought a house built in the 60's that has an Free Heat Machine fireplace insert manufactured by Aqua Appliances, inc in San Marcos Ca. I cannot find any info about this insert and may need replacement parts. I do not know how old this insert is. Model 23-20 serial #1003028. Help needed..

Answer

not sure what you have but trying to find parts may not be easy and the insert might need to be removed and/or replaced, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help. you can also check your local wood stove store and the building department might have a copy of the manual if they pulled a permit when installed.

Question

Can you just have a short pipe that runs from the top of the of the insert to the flu instead of running it all the way up your chimney,so you can shut the flu when not in use.

Answer

first you have to follow the owners manual for installation and your local building department, by NFPA code the stove must be piped through the damper to the first flue tile, we only service inserts and stoves lined and insulated to the top this is a better install, less build up better efficiency for your stove, don't take short cuts on a wood stove install its a safety issue too.

Question

my husband is planning on putting a wood burning insert. there is no existing fireplace. in order to get the permit we have to come up with plans. The city said we can hand draw them, but we are having a hard time drawing plans that involve the construction of the soffit and how to show how it is going to attach to the house. My dad and husband can do it, we just were not sure where we could look at some plans to give up an idea on how to draw it. If you have any ideas it would be greatly appreciated

Answer

Rachelle,

The installation of wood-stove inserts is serious business. I have no doubt that your husband and Father can do most things, but installing one the appliances in an existing fireplace that has passed an NFPA-211, level II inspection is another. It sounds like they are planning to build a complying chimney to hour the insert stove? if this is correct, the first red flag to me is the difficulty understanding what it looks like. Don't get me wrong, I don't build fireplaces either but certainly wouldn't strike out to build for installation of one these units.

Please use the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com and find a qualified installer to come out and advice on a safe path of action. Good luck to your family.