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tchart

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#171556 22-Apr-2015 16:44
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So we are building a new house. Thinking of getting a fireplace instead of a heat pump (we are in Wellington).

So given the RRP for the fireplace we are after is $1600 (checked several places) how much would you expect a flue kit, install and hearth to be?

The price we have been given is $3000 on top of the RRP of the fireplace which seems excessive to me.

Any opinions?






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timmmay
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  #1289572 22-Apr-2015 16:53
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I took a fire place out of my house not long after I bought it. There's a gap around the chimney, when the fire's not lit a cold breeze flowed through. Taking the fireplace out made the whole house warmer. The heat didn't move around the house, unless it's open plan or you put in a heat transfer system it will just heat the one room. Fireplaces are messy, need to be cleaned and maintained, and I just found it a general pain in the butt. Then factor in that it makes your whole area smell, so putting things outside to air isn't possible for you or your neighbors: I consider them antisocial in built up areas. There's a chance clear air regulations will make you get rid of it eventually. The only time they're cheap to run is if you get free firewood You could say I'm not a fan.

Suggest you get a combined heating/ventilation system, heat recovery ventilation (not the brand - the concept). One large heat pump outdoor unit (probably a double one hidden out back), a distribution system so you can get the heat where it's needed, and make sure it works as just ventilation if you don't need heating or cooling. It might cost $15K for a really good, powerful system, but it will make the house super livable. It will wear out eventually, but the costs keep coming down. My oldest heat pump is 6 years and still works perfectly.

lxsw20
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  #1289578 22-Apr-2015 16:59
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I think it's pretty hard to beat the convenience of coming home from work pressing a button on a remote, and hey presto 10 mins later the place is warming up.

My folks have put an escea gas fire in their new place in the formal lounge, but it's more as "nice to see some flames on a super cold day" thing. Where as the 2 heat pumps will be used day to day.

The quote was closer to 30k for them for a vented heatpump system. 

mattwnz
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  #1289588 22-Apr-2015 17:10
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Are you talking about a wood burner, or a actual fireplace like a Jetmaster? I would get a few quotes, as I imagine prices would vary a lot. The fireplace company should be able to tell you the price of flue kits etc. Roofing work and flashings may add quite a bit to the price, as will finishing the ceiling linings etc.  I would suggest both a wordburner and a heatpump, as a fireplace won't cool you in the summer.

timmmay
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  #1289589 22-Apr-2015 17:12
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lxsw20: The quote was closer to 30k for them for a vented heatpump system. 


That's not too surprising. You could probably DIY it cheaper, though having a firm do it means you get good integration, support, and less mess.

tchart

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  #1289600 22-Apr-2015 17:21
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To clarify I am talking about a free standing wood burner.

The build spec includes two heat pumps. We are looking at swapping one out for the wood burner.

  #1289605 22-Apr-2015 17:30
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lxsw20: The quote was closer to 30k for them for a vented heatpump system. 


who quoted that?

retail on a 14kw Mitsubishi Electric Ducted heat pump is $8500, then add some for instillation, and a losnay system can be had installed from  $3000 installed

i would say you could have it all installed for around the 15k mark and certainly not more than 20k depending on options and amount of ducts/outlets

lxsw20
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  #1289608 22-Apr-2015 17:33
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No idea, one of the heating places here in Dunedin. 

Handle9
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  #1289609 22-Apr-2015 17:33
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Is the quote from the builder? I'd go and get another quote from an independent supplier.

Also is this pre contract or is it a variation? How are variations assessed - there should be a schedule of rates.

mattwnz
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  #1289634 22-Apr-2015 17:58
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Handle9: Is the quote from the builder? I'd go and get another quote from an independent supplier.

Also is this pre contract or is it a variation? How are variations assessed - there should be a schedule of rates.


I have found that variations are where the builders make their money. Therefore it is best to have absolutely everything confirmed prior to building. Even if you have to pay a pro to go through it all to make sure everything is fully spec'd as is should end up saving money.

sleemanj
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  #1289644 22-Apr-2015 18:16
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tchart: To clarify I am talking about a free standing wood burner.


Do you have kids?  If not, who are you going to send out in the middle of winter to chop the kindling.

Wood burning fires are a PITA, buying wood, chopping wood, storing wood, cutting kindling, laying the fire, constantly feeding it, emptying ashes...

We have a gas fireplace which heats the large living area of this old draughty largely uninsulated 1910's house to something approaching sauna levels if you let it, looks nice,  throws out heat near instantly, has fan you can turn on to further distribute hot air if desired (usually have it off), no messing about with wood and such, turn knob, press piezo ignitor button, job done.  

Ring to change the 45kg tanks every so often (same tanks supply the gas hot water).








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I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...


mattwnz
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  #1289646 22-Apr-2015 18:19
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sleemanj:
tchart: To clarify I am talking about a free standing wood burner.


Do you have kids?  If not, who are you going to send out in the middle of winter to chop the kindling.

Wood burning fires are a PITA, buying wood, chopping wood, storing wood, cutting kindling, laying the fire, constantly feeding it, emptying ashes...







Keeps you fit. I have notice that people are moving from DIY,  to DIFM which is the easy option. A decent wood burner is apparently as cheap to run as other forms of heating, and cheaper if you have a source of wood. It is also potentially more green than other forms of heating.

I have a gas fire (approximate replacement price is about $6k-8k), and a woodburner. The gas fire doesn't produce anywhere near as much heat, and apparently the gases it produces aren't that healthy, even though it is vented. Luckily I am on mains gas, but to run it on bottles would be expensive to run compared to a woodburner or a heat oump. For heating you can't go past a heatpump, or a woodburner if you want that visual fireplace, for running costs.

plod
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  #1289716 22-Apr-2015 19:38
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http://www.woodfiresrus.co.nz highly recommend these guys in petone, not sure how much for install but he does our sweeps and any maitanace. He is super busy an that should tell you something.
We have a heap pump and freestanding fire with wetback. Heat pump is great for mornings but evenings and weekends you can't beat the fire place.

freitasm
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  #1289725 22-Apr-2015 19:53
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Come on, OP. Please create in proper sub-forum!





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jeffnz
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  #1289728 22-Apr-2015 19:58
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I used to install fireplaces and the price would depend on if the building is 2 storey, type of hearth so could well be that but would certainly shop around as there are a lot of installers so it is reasonably competitive. The builder may be getting an independent to install and adding on a margin. 

There are cheaper hearths around that do a good job and look fine, flue kits are much of a muchness so you can shop around for them as well.





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Stan
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  #1289746 22-Apr-2015 20:17
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tchart: So we are building a new house. Thinking of getting a fireplace instead of a heat pump (we are in Wellington).

So given the RRP for the fireplace we are after is $1600 (checked several places) how much would you expect a flue kit, install and hearth to be?

The price we have been given is $3000 on top of the RRP of the fireplace which seems excessive to me.

Any opinions?







Brand of fire depends on the price of the flue kit

Off the top of my head
Woodsman fluekit and shield RRP: $629
Metro Fires fluekit and shield RRP:$699 and $119 for flue shield
Masport is around the same price as metro as with kent

Hearths vary depending on the fireplace you purchased Metro make a good range worth checking out $300-$600

As for flues creating a draught this look for an eco flue Metro and Woodsman both use them as standard

Install is around $900ish inc flashing/dektite in the Waikato.

Also fires vs heat pumps really? 
Sure a heat pump is convenient but its no match for the pure heat that a fire can produce (a fire is made to heat a whole house) they are not really comparable. 

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