Bellfire insert for wood burning fireplace??

Does anyone have experience with installing a Bellfire insert in order to make a closed -up fireplace functional? We’re talking to chimney specialists and this is what they are recommending to get the living room fireplace functional (and wood-burning) in our circa 1890s brick row house. But it’s not a cheap proposition — and I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about rebuilt fireplaces never not working properly. Would appreciate any input! Thanks – SK

sk16

in About Brooklyn 12 years ago

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brucef | 12 years ago

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I would advise you to verify that any appliance you consider is rated acceptable by NYC DOB. This thankless task is undertaken by the manufacturer if they believe they can sell enough units to make it worth while. Unfortunately it is the price of admission, no matter how clever, efficient, etc the unit you may be considering. My expertise in this is more from the structural/masonry side, and I caution all brownstoners to make no assumptions about the safety or condition of old flues. I have seen amazing situations in that it is a miracle that they didn’t collapse years ago. Do not make the assumption that any flue was originally designed for wood burning, which is far hotter a fire than some other older fuels. I would recommend a gas fired, direct vented, double walled unit, that exhausts spent air up a few inch diameter flex line, simultaneously bringing in fresh, outside combustion air. These units are convenient, efficient, and it really looks like a wood fire. We have installed Empire brand inserts, some of which are NYC rated.

BSDOD | 12 years ago

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I’m interested in doing this in the near future and would like to know how things workout for your fireplace restoration.

belvederechimneyandfireplace | 12 years ago

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If you have more questions please give me a call. Belvedere Fireplace and Chimney inc 347-245-7575 or kamilbfchimney@gmail.com www.bfchimneyandfireplace.com

belvederechimneyandfireplace | 12 years ago

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For the past twelve years I’ve done so many Bellfire inserts and all practicly in brownstones and townhouses. That type of unit is one of the best solutions to fix the fireplace in these kind of houses. Bellfires may not be cheap but they don’t require draft inducers (electrical fans)which will save you money too. They will use at least 50% less wood than the common masonry fireplace. The half-pear design gives you more heat, burns wood better and will increase room temperature 15 degrees within an hour. The only problem is that it’s not UL listed. If you have more questions please give me a call. Belvedere Fireplace and Chimney inc 347-245-7575 or kamilbfchimney@gmail.com