[coolbreeze49]

I have a prefabicated fireplace I was told it is too small for a wood stove insert what can I do for more heat in my condo

[massplumber2008]

I'm guessing you don't have a thermostat to control the heat in your unit... correct?

What kind of heat system in place at the condo. Complex... forced air, forced water, or steam? In other words, radiators, baseboard or registers in the floors/walls?

Let us know...

Mark

[coolbreeze49]

Yes it is force air it uses a heat pump system

[ballengerb1]

I am going to make a few assumptions here so just correct me if I am wrong. You own the condo and are hoping you can get more cheaper heat from the fireplace, right? Unless it is a heat recirculator prefab you are most likely lossing heat every time you use the fire place, more heated air goes up the chimney than into the room so negative heat gain. Does this prefab have a fresh air intake connected to the outside?

[coolbreeze49]

No it is not a intake that I can see I want to invest into glass doors with a blower system but not sure if it would work because was told fire place is to small please need so kind of solution for more

[massplumber2008]

Hi Coolbreeze...

Since you have a forced air system you may be interested in register booster fans:

Suncourt Product Reviews and Ratings - Register Booster Fans - Suncourt -- 3 Pack Equalizer EQ2 Register Booster (HC300) from iaqsource.com

These units can help pull more (or less) heat into the room(s) you are having trouble with. They are especially handy in that they will continue to pull residual warm air from the ducts into the room even after the heat system has shut down. The fans can fit in side or outside the register (see images). They are available at most home depot, Lowe's or menards stores.

I have more than a few customers that use them and they can't get over the difference they make in each room!

Finally, as Ballenger mentioned, you would definitely want to close off the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not being used... should save tons of heat over the season.

Any questions... let me know.

Mark

[ballengerb1]

This may sound odd to you but your most efficient way to heat your condo is to stop using the fireplace altogether and close the damper. Your type of fireplace radiates some heat into the room but draws more heat up the chimney, negative heat to the room. It wastes heat and money.

[ma0641]

If you have a gas line into the FP, consider putting in a set of non-vented gas logs. You can close the vent and use a set of 18" logs. This should only be used for supplemental heat, not primary and be sure to put in a CO monitor,

[coolbreeze49]

All of your ideals sound great I really appreciate it is their any kind of way I can install glass doors on the fire place and use some kind of blower to supplement heat

[ma0641]

If you are using a non vented set of logs, you want the fireplace front to be open and the vent shut. These logs are 99+% efficient. Use a ceiling fan blowing up in the winter to move the heat around. I have a 24" set in a 1400 sq. ft. log home and it works great.

[coolbreeze49]

Will these logs work in a prefabricated fireplace and do they cost more than regular logs

[ma0641]

Yes, they will work in pre-fabs, that's where mine are. They cost more than regular log sets because they are engineered for non venting operation and have safety devices in them to shut down if the oxygen level drops below a certain level. Again, remember these are designed for extra heat not primary. Depending on where you live, you may have other restrictions. I know they are not permitted for BR's. I bought my set after the heating season and paid about $100. Mine are 35,000 BTU with 2 burners-25K and 10K BTU

[ballengerb1]

The non-vented logs do work. Using them with the damper closed would be the only way to get your prefab to add heat to the room rather than remove heat. A prefab without fresh air intake takes out more heat than it gives.