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Question:

has anyone ever used a fireplace hearth heater?

has anyone ever used a fireplace hearth heater?

Answer:

I have tried them but they are pretty much a waste, and the 500% more efficient claim on the website link made me laugh. The fireplace heat exchanger without the fan is a total and complete waste of money. From my experience with that variety they just make it more difficult to get the right size log in the firebox. I noticed no noticeable heat exiting the tubes and entering the room. The blower variety I tested is a little better, but keep in mind it is only going to raise the efficiency of the fireplace by maybe an additional 10% at best. And considering most fireplaces operate in the realm of -10% to 15% efficiency you are not exactly harvesting the heat. It is an unfortunate but scientific fact that most fireplaces are pretty much wood toilets and not heat sources, but they sure look neat. People have heated with them for centuries but people have also have ridden horses for centuries too (until something better came along). When it comes to hearth equipment I know what i like and what I expect for the investment and i would fit these units into the I wouldn't waste my money category. It doesn't mean they are worthless it just means if you want meaningful heat from your fireplace you can do alot better by saving your money for an insert.
I have not used one. I do know that a blower is a necessity for the unit to be useful, and a quiet one is desirable. Get the maximum number of tubes that will fit into the fireplace. I did a little research and found some more options. BTW, I found out the correct term for these is fireplace heat exchanger, if that helps.

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