Expert: James Ball - 5/28/2009

Question
I currently have a large brick wood burning fireplace in my family room (back of home)  I would like to be more energy efficient and use the wood to actually heat parts of the house.  Would you recommend a insert or a insert/blower and who would I contact in the Wichita, KS area for estimates?

Answer
Hello Glenda, I would start with our local wood stove store and see what they have (they will service it down the road if any thing breaks but not if you get it else where) and see what they have a wood stove requires a lot of work to heat a home (not just load it with wood, light it and walk away) but they do a great job. you can also look into Natural gas or propane stoves (I have one and love it, no mess, no lugging of wood just flip a switch and heat)
I would also 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 they should be able to help.
James