bloke wrote:"pre-fab" = a metal (usually round/double-wall) chimney enclosed inside everything else - probably with a pre-made firebox as well.
"masonry" = everything was made by hand from brick, mortar, firebrick, and chimney tiles
The "pre-fab" is a Mendota DXV-35 gas fireplace. We had it running several times over the winter while I was installing structured wiring. The thing is rated at something like 33,000 BTU's and can be turned all the way down to 6,000 BTU's when the flame is dialed down and the rear burner is shut off.
I think that Sean wants the fireplace for "atmosphere" rather than heat, Joe. If you want heat, you get a woodstove and put it in a central location (i.e. it doesn't have to be built against a chminey or outside wall and radiates in ALL directions, not just out the front). And the seal on the door when not in use is airtight.
But I understand that folks like a fireplace because it's romantic or something.
I still remember the big pot-bellied woodstove in the center of my grandmother's kitchen (with the woodburning cookstove against the far wall). The flue was routed through two of the upstairs bedrooms to provide additional heat during the cold Wisconsin winters.
we thought about getting a wood burning stove, but we have the munchkin and he would most definitely get hurt on it. like trying to climb on it and stuff.
we did want the atmosphere, but we also wanted to use it as heat since it can be programmed like a thermostat.
sean has been wanting a fireplace for the longest time (well, so have I--i've never had one in the place i lived). We are very much looking forward to it.
Chuck(G) wrote:I think that Sean wants the fireplace for "atmosphere" rather than heat, Joe.
This thing cranks out the heat. It is 33,000 BTUs cranked all the way up and is very efficient. Mendotas are among the high end and it comes standard with a thermostat, blower, and a very good looking burn. We went with gas at first due to the cost of a wood burner. Then after talking to friends who hve had both and reading up on it I am glad we did gas. The big perk for me is being able to click the remote and have heat within minutes. But the better part is being able to click the button and have the fire go out instantly so we can leave the house. With wood I would worry about leaving the fire unattended.
Radiant heat is fantastic. Does not compare to forced air. Being able to come in from the cold and stand in front of it or throw on a robe and sit in front of it after a shower.
May sound silly, but I find it annoying practicing in a cold drafty room during the winter. Pitch on the horn goes all over the place. With the fire the tuba stays regulated and practicing has one less hassle to deal with.
OK. Now it's time to give Sean suggestions on what to hang on the wall over the mantle. I would suggest a Moose head blowing (and encircled by) a helicon.