Expert: James Ball - 1/16/2009

Question
We just purchased a Lopi Freedom Bay fireplace insert and cannot seem to sufficiently heat the room with it (filling it with wood only increases the temperature of the room about 3 to 5 degrees).  In some cases out heater still goes on (just to heat the room to 70 degrees) and the thermostat is just across from the fireplace.  This doesn't seem right since I have heard that these inserts tend to make rooms too hot at times.  Our fireplace was very large (we had to install 12 inch panels around the insert just to cover the opening).  Also, we didn't install a chimney liner.  Please advise as our propane bills are not going down in spite of investing a few grand on this insert.

Thanks very much,
Leigh

Answer
Hello Leigh, what did the stove store that you bought it from say? What did the person who installed say did they install it correctly?what does the owners manual say? do you have all the vents and dampers open correctly? this unit MUST be lined to the first flue tile (by code) it should be lined and insulated to the top.
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.
James