New Accentra Insert

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J

Jasond

Member
Aug 8, 2013
26
New Hampshire
Hello All,

I'm new here and new to the pellet stove world. I recently purchased a Harman Accentra insert however have not received it yet. Over this past weekend I install the vent pipe in my chimney so I can focus on just installing the insert when it comes in.

When I asked the sales person if I should install an OAK they obviously said I didn't really need one but one of their questions was if my house was really tight. To which I responded "yes, my house isn't drafty". He then asked me if I had an ash dump in the bottom of my fireplace and I could use that as the fresh air supply to the insert.

Now to the question, if I remove the plate that sits over the hole, which I believe goes to my basement, will that work for the fresh air? Or, at least be better than the insert drawing air from the living space? Where does the insert draw the fresh air from when an OAK is not installed, does it draw the air into the same inlet as it would if the OAK was installed? I didn't see anything in the installation manual that would lead me to believe it would draw air from a different location so I may have just answered my own questions.

Thanks,
J
 
hi and welcome,
i have had an accentra insert for 7 years and no OAK. my home is pretty tight and it works fine.
you may not need it. but it sounds like removing that plate may work? be aware if you install yourself and the stove doesn't run properly it may be on you. also,your home insurance may require some documentation and/or inspection maybe even demand the unit be installed by a certified installer.
 
Thank you. I've been in touch with the local fire inspector and have obtained a permit for installation. He will be inspecting the install when I am complete. I've read the installation manual a few times and it appears relatively easy to install. I'm not sure I would try to diagnose and fix any issues on my own however I feel fairly confident in installing the insert myself.
 
I have a dealer near me that confesses that he has installed only one oak in the past 25 years where it was necessary for the unit to run properly. This dealer also manages to tread on the edge of shameful google reviews. The better question may be "would you benefit from having an oak installed?" And the answer is yes you would in nearly every instance. No one can say for sure if it is a must have unless they do a house pressure analysis.
 
smwilliamson said:
I have a dealer near me that confesses that he has installed only one oak in the past 25 years where it was necessary for the unit to run properly. This dealer also manages to tread on the edge of shameful google reviews. The better question may be "would you benefit from having an oak installed?" And the answer is yes you would in nearly every instance. No one can say for sure if it is a must have unless they do a house pressure analysis.
Click to expand...


"benefit".....maybe, but do they NEED one? Does the cost of materials and labor justify one being put in? Will the (possible) incremental benefit actually make a difference, or would other actions prove to be more beneficial (insulation, etc)?
 
Lousyweather said:
"benefit".....maybe, but do they NEED one? Does the cost of materials and labor justify one being put in? Will the (possible) incremental benefit actually make a difference, or would other actions prove to be more beneficial (insulation, etc)?
Click to expand...

To OAK or not to OAK? Uh oh! Did you just crack the jar open on the great OAK debate? !!!

Never mind! ;sick
 
smwilliamson said:
Opening the ash trap isn't going to do much to solve the air problem if the house is tight cause that ash trap is still venting from within the house....unless the cleanout is located outside...then you are in luck
Click to expand...
Lousyweather said:
"benefit".....maybe, but do they NEED one? Does the cost of materials and labor justify one being put in? Will the (possible) incremental benefit actually make a difference, or would other actions prove to be more beneficial (insulation, etc)?
Click to expand...

Based on articles I have read the incremental benefit extends beyond just stove efficiency and into things like air quality in the home. I don't think my house is as tight as I first thought, maybe wishful thinking, and for that reason I may go without an OAK for a month or two and see how things work out. However, I'm almost positive in the end I will install an OAK. I just don't see any downside to it other than spending a few dollars on material and I sort of like doing small projects like this, keeps me busy.

Thank you all for the reply's, I know the OAK vs No OAK is a beaten topic here and I suppose every forum has one or two topics like this.

I'll be be sure to post pics when I eventually install the insert.

J
 
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On another note I did order 3 tons of pellets last night, 1 New Englands, 1 Black Hills, and 1 Okanagans. I also have a line of a 1/2 ton of Vermonts that I need to pick up this weekend. Now to just make room in the garage.
 
If your house is very tight and you run a lot of air handling equipment, over time your house may not be quite so air tight. There is also a health benefit to oaks and a practical benefit as well...do you want the stove pulling kitchen grease from the kitchen over to your living room furniture...look no further than a resturant. How many wood fired fireplaces do you see? Not many any more...
 
the argument could also be made that if your house is that air tight, not having an OAK will help with air exchange. It is often noted that indoor air quality can be very poor in places that are extremely tight. its a debate that has merit on both sides.
 
Well, I finished installing the Accentra 52i this morning. I think it looks pretty good. I haven't been able to run it on high because it's quite warm at the moment and I haven't picked up a bag of pellets yet. I have a few pallets coming Wednesday so I may hold off until then. But the limited amount of time I did get to run it the fans didn't seem all to loud.

I any case I've attached a pic for your enjoyment. I used my fisheye lens and a little reflective photography.


DSC_4821-Edit.jpg by Jason Deslauriers, on Flickr
 
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Looks very nice. I have no doubt you will enjoy it. It's a harman!
 
Looks great, I love my Accentra, the new ones have me wanting a second stove :)
 
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