Howdy AT,
I know it's still a bit early to even mention the impending doom that is a Chicago winter, yet I am determined to get a jump on the inevitable. My apartment has an old, slowly dying gas furnace that works to keep the place at a "slipper and sweater" comfortable level yet I want more! Ultimately I would love to have a wood burning fireplace yet knocking out a wall and installing a chimney etc is a bit beyond my abilities let alone price range. I have however found many freestanding fireplaces that ain't too shabby.(something like this.
My question going out to all the AT sleuths relates to the collective experience with said fireplaces. How easy are they to install, how much hassle to use, how much glorious heat, and of course, how dangerous...?
Thanks!
Julian
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Pre-fab, free-standing fireplaces aren't really good heat generators. If you're looking for supplimental heat, you'd want to look at a soapstone or tile stove, or cast iron for that matter. All of the above need to be protected by distance from flamables and fireproof materials. The heavier models would need floor reinforcement. How about a Fire Orb? They mount from the ceiling and are fairly light as well. But again, not great for heating purposes.
Your best bet for heat is; insulate, replace the heating unit and seal the windows. There ARE gas fireplaces designed to be supplemental heating units, but they require ducts and chases, which would be difficult to install and probably near impossible in an existing apartment building.
Hope this helps without putting a damper on things..
PS I assume you are on the top floor? Your association might also have regulations against installing fireplaces etc as well.
Do you want a 'real' fireplace that requires wood?
If HEAT is your real objective, then a sealed-gas stove/fireplace may suit your needs (in terms of heat and efficiency) and may not require extensive venting/ducting.
The WITTUS brand (that you can see on the site you linked to) has some gas stove options.
http://wittus.com/
We had one of these. They look great, but they are not a practical heat source. Even a small oil filled heater will keep you warmer.
If you do decide to get one of these, I see older ones on ebay and craigslist occasionally for less than $500. Just a warning, though: the base of ours was extremely heavy!
I'd think any fireplace, gas or wood, will require a duct or chimney to vent exhaust gases. Ducts are better, in your case, since they are much less complicated to install, but I'd probably leave it to a pro anyway. I think the lone exception is alcohol burning fireplaces, but I have no idea how much heat they generate (if I had to guess, it wouldn't be much).
they look great, but won't keep you warm. I agree that a soapstone wood-burning stove is your best bet for heat. I love the idea of a pellet stove, but I have yet to see one that looks good.