Another newbie looking for advice

[Bigg_Redd]

I take it you're one of the people that isn't a fan or VC as charles noted? or are there specific issues with this model?
Thanks

Of that model I know of no specific problems. But I do know that VC charges a premium for their products while maintaining a long track record of spotty QC.

 

[avsmusic1]

Of that model I know of no specific problems. But I do know that VC charges a premium for their products while maintaining a long track record of spotty QC.

Good to know. Thanks

 

[begreen]

Stove mantle shields are peculiar to inserts afaik. They attach to the insert's surround. For a stove you are in for the most part in untested territory and would have to improvise by putting one on the underside of the mantel.

 

[weatherguy]

I take it you're one of the people that isn't a fan or VC as charles noted? or are there specific issues with this model?
Thanks

Also, anyone know of any freestanders that have a mantle shield mounted on the stove? I'm not saying I definitely want to go that route, but I'd like to make sure I've explored all my options. I've been hunting around a bit with minimal luck.

Though I've been wary of VC myself I know a few people with the Montpelier and love it.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

The montpelier is a great unit. That being said, it is not a house heater and it doesn't do well with overnite burns in my house because I have 11 single pane windows and no insulation in the room that it is in. So thAt requires me to keep feeding it every 3-4 hours. It is a bit pricey, but your gonna pay extra for the look. Putting in this unit with new white bricks was an entire upgrade to the house. I cracked a firebrick this winter and got a free one within 2 weeks, those bricks carry a lifetime warranty guarantee, great customer service if you ask me...... It saves me money on heating oil on one side of the house, and that is all I can ask of it.....

The way the op house is set up makes it difficult for probably any heater to do a complete job. I suggest you list your priorities and go from there....

 

[Charles1981]

Sorry, I mis-spoke. For some reason I thought the unit had a catalyst. Still don't think it can be beat for aesthetic purposes...And it is very capable unit. But there is certainly MANY options out there.

 

[avsmusic1]

as an emergency heater, and for occasional weekend ambiance + heat

RAM - I think Grisu summed up my thoughts/priorities in one of his previous posts regarding his initial intent. I guess I'm looking to maximize my heat per dollar ratio with the constraints being maintaining my current layout and having something good enough looking for the wife to sign off on. I'm not sure I'm properly setup to expect full home heating, especially in winter. Also I would be inclined to look into insulation updates before investing in a hearth update/stove large enough to expect I could heat my home.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

RAM - I think Grisu summed up my thoughts/priorities in one of his previous posts regarding his initial intent. I guess I'm looking to maximize my heat per dollar ratio with the constraints being maintaining my current layout and having something good enough looking for the wife to sign off on. I'm not sure I'm properly setup to expect full home heating, especially in winter. Also I would be inclined to look into insulation updates before investing in a hearth update/stove large enough to expect I could heat my home.

Then I think you should buy the best looking, biggest stove, with the largest glass viewing area at the best price that you can find......use this advice while doing your search and put the. Most important item on the top of your list.....
You have the time to do your research and learn as much as possible, there are many great inserts out there....
Also, I didn't see what your sq footage is in the living room and that alcove is, please let us know. I have a medium size insert that heats 550 sq ft, always go bigger is what I have learned..... Good luck

 

[stovelark]

Hello AVS You mentioned some good stoves, I'm with BG, hard to beat the Enviro 1200 Boston, but you need to check on mantle clearance. As for dealers, It would behoove you to check out those dealers mentioned on the BBB, or google reviews, lots of varying opinions out there. Have you looked at Jotuls?? They offer flush mount, mantle shields that attach to the stove body too, so it pleases the aesthetically inclined folks. A lot of good stoves out there, buy from where you think will treat you right after the sale. Good luck, get your wood ready for next year, that is the important part of the equation anyway..

 

[avsmusic1]

Had the chance to pick up a lopi declaration plus and put a hold on it today. It's a tradeup/refurb from one of the larger retailers in my area. The guy who traded it in went to a bigger Lopi model and it was purchased from the same shop 2 yrs ago. I'm sure most people would agree the 2.2 cuft fire box is a better idea than the smaller stoves I was initially looking at, but i'm wondering what people think about picking up a used stove like this. It seems like these should be pretty bullet proof but I'd like to hear other's opinions. It's about 40% off what the same shop charges for a new one.

 

[begreen]

It depends on how it was run. If run occasionally and normally it could be fine. If it was too small and the person ran it pedal to the metal then one would need to watch for any indication of overfiring. Regardless, it will have a couple seasons (if run 24/7) on the blower which has a finite life if it has sealed bearings.

 

[bobdog2o02]

It depends on how it was run. If run occasionally and normally it could be fine. If it was too small and the person ran it pedal to the metal then one would need to watch for any indication of overfiring. Regardless, it will have a couple seasons (if run 24/7) on the blower which has a finite life if it has sealed bearings.

Also, an novice burner, might have used the wrong thermometer in the wrong place......Me. Look for cracks in the steel. Uneven paint curing...... BEGREEN do you have anymore signs he should look for?

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Wow your ready to pull the trigger.... Take your time and make the right choice......

 

[begreen]

Cracks in any location should be a loud warning sign. Check welds and the secondary manifold in particular. Also watch for greyed paint and warped tubes. Cracked firebrick or baffle could be signs of neglect but are less serious issues.

 

[avsmusic1]

I had done some research on over-firing here and specifically asked the sales person about it. He assured me that the team that inspects/cleans/refurbishes specifically looks for signs of overfiring. This seems logical to me and I would expect that people who do this for a living will always be better able to identify cautionary signs of wear. If the firebricks were replaced, the unit would look new. However, I'm obviously no expert and I acknowledge that there is some incentive for the sales person to say whatever they need to in order to get the unit sold. (flashback to business school and "agency costs") Anyway, they are holding it for me ($100 deposit - refundable w/in 60 days) so it's not terribly binding... but it's mine if I want it.

 

[begreen]

Sounds good, that helps with these concerns. I'm assuming that the original warranty is lost and does not carry over to the second buyer. What is the stove shop's warranty on the stove, if any?

 

[avsmusic1]

Wow your ready to pull the trigger.... Take your time and make the right choice......

I'm sure it seems rather quick from the outside looking in but I've been looking casually for about a year and lurking here almost daily for the better part of 2 month. At this point I've taken a good look at the various models from Lopi, VC, Hearthstone, Regency/Hampton, PE, Englander, Jotul, Enviro, Harmon, BK, Osburn, Timberwolf, Napoleon, Quadrafire (maybe more?) and I would estimate the ~15 actually meet my basic clearances/constraints. There were probably only 6 that were really worth us taking a close look at. I by no means intend to imply I'm anything but a novice. However, I feeling well enough informed about the available models to have confidence when making a decision.

 

[avsmusic1]

Sounds good, that helps with these concerns. I'm assuming that the original warranty is lost and does not carry over to the second buyer. What is the stove shop's warranty on the stove, if any?

Correct. The retailer only offers a 90 day warranty but it's from 10/1-12/31 if you purchase off season.

 

[Kosmik]

I'm sorry, most of us on here buy the stove first, then we get wood, myself included, just looking out for you now that we know better..... What ever you decide, get some good wood now, split, stacked, in the sun and wind, in a single line...

That seemed logical...
Till I learned buying firewood isn't like buying wood pellets.

He's saving you a big PITA with that advice. I just spent the winter living it.
Only now is the stove operating somewhat well, some wood finally dried enough, not 'seasoned' but enough.

 

[prezes13]

Had the chance to pick up a lopi declaration plus and put a hold on it today. It's a tradeup/refurb from one of the larger retailers in my area. The guy who traded it in went to a bigger Lopi model and it was purchased from the same shop 2 yrs ago. I'm sure most people would agree the 2.2 cuft fire box is a better idea than the smaller stoves I was initially looking at, but i'm wondering what people think about picking up a used stove like this. It seems like these should be pretty bullet proof but I'd like to hear other's opinions. It's about 40% off what the same shop charges for a new one.

I believe it's pretty much the same stove as mine it looks identical to me, you should be happy with it. It needs well season wood, or Eco bricks. Good luck with it post pic. Ask a lot of questions if you not sure how to run it. I learned more here in a week than in one season of burning on my own.

 

[avsmusic1]

I believe it's pretty much the same stove as mine it looks identical to me, you should be happy with it. It needs well season wood, or Eco bricks. Good luck with it post pic. Ask a lot of questions if you not sure how to run it. I learned more here in a week than in one season of burning on my own.

Ya, I suspect it's the same firebox/guts with some aesthetic differences

 

[Kosmik]

Given our layout and the drafty nature of our home, I'm not sure that a large firebox would do much more than heat a somewhat fixed area to a higher degree.

It's about sealing air gaps and having proper insulation where possible. Go on a search in an old home and you'll be surprised of all the 'openings' or 'thought there should be insulation there' you encounter.
My next purchase is the Great Stuff Pro dispenser. http://greatstuff.dow.com/products/pro/
With how many half empty cans of that stuff I've used, I could have bought a starter set on Ebay.

An OAK will help with 'drafty' problems, or a cracked window near the stove, if it's pulling in a lot of air.

 

[Kosmik]

I'm actually torn as to whether or not I want an overnight burn. I know that seems a bit counter intuitive, but if the insert wont heat the whole house then a shorter burn may be preferable considering my thermostat is in the LR. I don't want the stove heating the LR only over the night and keeping the furnace from kicking on to heat our bedrooms

Also, I haven't looked at the blaze king stoves yet, but I definitely will. Thanks

You could always run a new thermostat line for pretty cheap. Run the thermostat to the other room, or something? Probably even wireless thermostats out there.

But you'll want to run that sucker as much as is convenient/fun to you. Wood heat feels warmer to me than gas furnace. Whole life was on gas furnace heat, last two years on wood. I'm converted.

 

[avsmusic1]

Does the discount seem appropriate/fair?

 

[begreen]

Yes, it sounds fair if the unit is in excellent condition and warranted.