Welcome to the forum.

We can’t advise on if something is worth doing, but we can help you to weigh the options.

If I understand it, you’d like to have automated control over the flow of gas so that the thermostat could modulate the heat coming off the stove instead of you doing it manually. Is that it?

Would such an automated system run entirely on batteries, or would the switch take away a backup heat system that works when the power is out?

You’ve asked a question about selling your existing unit locally, but all we can tell about your locale is that your IP address is saying that you’re located somewhere in the US.

 

The ignition on the unit is millivolt with a pilot light. But as is, I am pretty sure it cannot be controlled by a wall stat because of the gas valve not being such to allow it to be wired up to a regular remote stat. I have to turn a knob on it to set at low-medium-high. But maybe I'm wrong about that. Still, I do know for a fact that a millivolt/pilot light system can be made to work with a Nest Learning WiFi stat via a switching relay like a Honeywell R8845U1003. I don't care about the advantage the millivolt/pilot light has with regard to not needing electricity. Much prefer an electronic ignition. Again, my lack of understanding centers on the gas valve, the existing one which has to be set manually. Yes, I am in the United States, Bellingham, WA. So of course what I might get for it in Alabama would be quite different. I am only looking for a rough idea.

 

The ignition on the unit is millivolt with a pilot light. But as is, I am pretty sure it cannot be controlled by a wall stat because of the gas valve not being such to allow it to be wired up to a regular remote stat. I have to turn a knob on it to set at low-medium-high. But maybe I'm wrong about that. Still, I do know for a fact that a millivolt/pilot light system can be made to work with a Nest Learning WiFi stat via a switching relay like a Honeywell R8845U1003. I don't care about the advantage the millivolt/pilot light has with regard to not needing electricity. Much prefer an electronic ignition. Again, my lack of understanding centers on the gas valve, the existing one which has to be set manually. Yes, I am in the United States, Bellingham, WA. So of course what I might get for it in Alabama would be quite different. I am only looking for a rough idea.
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I wouldn't upgrade if you live in an area that has power failures in the winter.

I obviously have to either replace or upgrade since we're talking about a 30 year old unit. I don't care about power failures.

 

I wouldn't upgrade if you live in an area that has power failures in the winter.

 

Appreciate the answer, would never want to risk an explosion! But for the record, here is the photo.

 

Appreciate the answer, would never want to risk an explosion! But for the record, here is the photo.

View attachment 677748

That is a thermostatic valve. It is controlled by the sensing bulb. You sure that's what you have? It's a standing pilot valve which can be replaced with a electrically controlled, standing pilot valve.

 

Well like I said you could change it with a regular standing pilot gas valve. The only thing I'll tell you to avoid is the nest. It causes more problems then it's worth, which isn't much. There are cheaper wifi thermostats that do better.

With a regular valve, you'll no longer have modulating control, and will be either full fire or nothing, cycling back and forth as the thermostat calls. Verses now, it modulates up and down without you noticing much.

 

As to your comment on Nest, I disagree! Just as Apple changed the cellphone world with iPhone, an ex-Apple guy did the same for the thermostat with Nest. It certainly wasn't Honeywell. The Nest Learning thermostat is a great product. I have one controlling my forced air gas furnace in my primary residence and could not be more pleased with its functions and performance. Yes, there are other good ones like Ecobee and many cheapies but none as great looking!

 

The only good thing nest has going for it is is their marketing. It over promises and under delivers, just like Apple products. Ecobee is a far superior product with better logging and reliability. The sensi is cheaper and still very reliable and decent looking. Honeywell is had some missteps and was quite complacent, but their commercial products are rock solid. (I never buy their retail stuff. It's made too cheaply.) Nest has helped to move them out of their complacency a bit. They still need more of a push, as they own most of the advanced IP related to controls like thermostats. Nest can only do so much without paying royalties. As for the nest, well it's not very smart at all. It looks nice and that's about where it's innovations end. They keep trying to use power stealing, something that everyone else gave up on a decade ago as it doesn't work with modern heaters, due to the circuit boards in them. Their UI is completely messed up, with important installer settings just missing or hidden in the phone app. I've ripped more brand new nests out and replaced them with other brands due to them not working then I've installed new nests. When used with a common, they work ok, but unless you get a great deal due to a utility rebate, they aren't worth the money. Yes, I'm registered with nestpro.

If you set the temperature on the fireplace, what is there for the neighbour to do? You mean when you want to visit for a weekend, you raise the temp? Part of the reason is lasted this long is that modulating valve, it keeps the flue out of the condensing range. Off and on cycles will allow it to condense, at least momentarily. All heaters work better running continuously.

Now with all that out of the way, like I said before, the most legal way is to buy a new fireplace that has electronic ignition. If your jurisdiction is less restrictive then mine then replacing the valve with a standard, standing pilot, electrically operated gas valve will work. With electronic ignition, you'd have to use a single try, and lockout control. Not something I'm suggesting though, as it's the most dangerous and you don't have a manufacturer to blame if things go really bad.

 

I really appreciate your full reply with all your thoughts! Disagree that Apple products "under deliver" despite believing as I do that the "magic" Apple had was soon lost after Steve Jobs died. Even so, Mac with its OS is still the best. Same with iPad and iOS. Microsoft Windows is garbage.

During the winter in my other place, it averages about 25 to 30 degrees during the day and often experiences periods of near sub-zero temperatures. It is the latter which concerns me and where I want to be able to be in charge of the temperature setting without bothering the neighbor.

Actually, I'm replacing the Efel with a Rinnai EX38CTWN direct vent NG wall furnace so in doing so I solve the age problem I have with the Efel and now can have WiFi control.

You have been a great help and have taught me quite a bit.

Thank you so much!

 

Yes, there are many people pleased with their Nest thermostat. And just as many unhappy with it.

Yep, a guy that new almost nothing about thermostats, decided to make thermostats. And incorporated power stealing technology, that all other thermostat manufacturers had tried and failed to make work reliable.

The first Nest thermostats couldn't control staging for 2 stage heat or cooling.

While over the years, they have made improvements, they still have problems on many different systems.

Your current set up should be able to be set to a low temp setting, and not over shoot temp, nor leave the house get too cold.

 

There was another guy who knew almost nothing about the inner workings of computers but had vision, high standards and taste. His name was Steve Jobs. I don't know which one of the three -- Tony Fadell, Ben Filson, or Fred Bould -- was the "Steve Jobs" in Nest at that time but I'm sure that in the same way Jobs dreamed of building a better cellphone the Nest guy knew he could design something superior to what Honeywell was offering consumers.

Apart from the thermostat, they did the same with the smoke detector in bringing out Nest Protect -- another product I love.

Just wish Google didn't end up with Nest. Probably not as much attention to detail and design now as it was back then!

 

As for the wall heater, that's a fairly significant change. It will heat the house faster, but it won't be as even. At least you'll have your remote control, and maybe a bit of floor space back.

 

Actually, I am hoping that its 7 modulating stages will provide even heat.