I didn't trace this thread, so I didn't see your answer until now, Mountain Thyme, but thanks! I've realized this fall the the system is pretty well shot and the whole thing needs to be replaced, not just the fan. The lower ducts are all burnt through, for starters. Before I consider simply replacing the heatalator, I'll look at the configuration of the fireplace inserts. When I was trying to move to Albuquerque a couple of years ago I found that everyone had these pellet burners. Small, gave off a lot of heat. But around here, where air quality is a problem, and pellets might not be as readily available, a woodburning stove might do the trick (or might not if the winter air quality ratings are too bad). Last year I thought about picking up all of the downed limbs people cut up and left for the bulky waste folks--maybe that should happen for real this year?

SRS