Lennox Warranty

Just restudied the Lennox Montecito Estate literature in my search for a zc woodburning fireplace.

I see that Lennox warrnaty runs 5 years parts AND labor on important elements of the unit. And 2 years parts AND labor on a few parts (like ceramic glass I think) where they don't go 5 years. And the coverage years 5 thru 10, and then 10 thru 20 beats the competition.

It appears by far the best warranty coverage I have found on any brand zc woodburners.

This unit also has a decent viewing area, 15" x 31" which is important to us, and the firebox is 4.0 cubic feet which is not too big and bnot too small. A comfortable siz e for us.

It allows use of solidpack or aircooled chimney. We have decided we want solid pack to help insure best draw, and eliminate any condensation problems (as we do get a few dozen or more days or nights a year below freezing), as well as eliminate one more potential source of cold air infiltration into the house.

The Lennox literature is also straightforward about using the unit as emergency or supplemental heat for house, and not as the only heat source. Which coincides with our intended use.

And, perhaps more importantly, this unit is available from several *qualified* shops within 50 miles of where we live. So we can find a dealer we feel comfortable with.

I have seen some references to BIS products here, which is now Lennox owned, but I have not seen any comments on the BIS Tradition/Lennox Montecito Estate in particular.

Any satisfied customers out there care to comment?

builderbob

So, since Lennox bought out Security and The Lennox Montecito Estate *is* the Security BIS Tradition, does anyone think the Security BIS line of fireplaces and chimneys is ok.

Earlier on here, someone right away mentioned for me to take a look at the BIS Panarama I think.

And hasn't Security been in the chimney/stove business for something like 50 years, or more? Are Security chimneys a bunch of &%^%&? or are they a respected chimney?

I did email a question to Lennox technical about whether one should go air-cooled chimney or solid pack chimney based on where we live---and Lennox technical recommended solid pack---knowing the higher cost to this inquiring consumer could potentially kill a sale in the bud. I take that as a small piece of integrity.

So, anyone with experience with BIS Tradition or other BIS zc woodburning fireplaces?

builderbob

I am getting real close.

But still vacillating over the Napoleon NZ6000 High Country. My wife keeps commenting on how good the High Country "looks".

1) And I must say, I do kind of like the looks of the Napoleon too, and think I give the edge to Napoleon over the Lennox based just on looks. Plus it is the only one that sells a cast iron pot and hanger accessory to put inside the unit (aren't we shallow?)

2) The Napoleon does also meet our requirements for glass size (and I give it the slight edge over Lennox on glass size),
3) Also allows solid pack chimney, but has slight edge over Lennox in that you can choose the brand chimney (Lennox requires Security brand)
4) Napoleon is also available from multiple dealers in 50 mile radius---so a draw with Lennox on availability
5) Napoleon also meets/exceeds the heating requirement---another draw with Lennox
6) Napoleon also from a large longstanding reputable manufacturer---another draw
7) Lennox has big edge on warranty---5 years as opposed to 1 year parts AND labor.
8) Lennox has edge on "stated" efficiency and "stated" cleanness of burning. Napoleon doesn't tell.
9) Lennox somewhat lower cost than Napoleon, but a slightly smaller unit, so dollar for dollar a draw as to value per size.
10) As to customer satisfaction, I did find one very satisfied customer review on the Napoleon, and absolutely zero reviews on the Bis Tradition/Lennox Montecito Estate. So, Napoleon is somewhat an unknown in terms of "efficiency and cleanness" of burning, but BIS/Lennox is unknown in terms of very satisfied customers. And I do know of one person in my area who just installed a Napoleon in a new home. Another draw perhaps.

So it comes down to how important are "looks" to us, vs warranty.

This fireplace is going to be a central point in our new home and will contribute much to the "aura". So Looks are very important. But this is also going to be a "permanent" installation in our new home, so warranty is also important.

My own (perhaps way off reality) opinion after my research is: If RSF company made a unit that looks like the Napoleon, uses the Excel solid pack chimney, has the warranty of the Lennox, has the EPA cleanness ratings of the Fireplace Xrtordinair, and the straighforward owners manual of the RSF---that would be the *perfect* fireplace.

builderbob

Lennox does not say "solid pack" chimney just because they require Security chimney. In fact, Lennox gives option of air-cooled or solid pack. And Security makes both. So requiring Security chimney has no bearing on whether to go air-cooled or solid pack. The Tech rep recommended solid pack over air-cooled based on where we live. The brand would have been Security either way.

As to how Lennox can say warranty for 10 years---well they said it---in print. In fact they said 20 years. How can RSF say 30 years? How can any of the brands say as long as they do.

Warrantys are really only for the "life" of the company of of the unit owner---whichever ends first!!

The Lennox Montecito Estate is not a *new* product. It is simply the renamed/rebranded Security Bis Tradition model as lennox bought Security Chimneys Int'l Co. All the other BIS firplaces such as the Bis Ultima, Bis Ultra, etc also have their counterpart names under Lennox brand now too.

Security BIS fireplaces have been around for how long?

builderbob

So is your Ultima installed at your Maryland location or at the Michigan location? Your forum profile gives both locations. And the picture shows a nice cold-looking snowy scene. Is that the house the Ultima is in? Perhaps the air-cooled vs solid pack chimney is such an important consideration.

Thanks for the input on BIS experience.

builderbob

OOPS! Should read: "Perhaps the air-cooled vs solid pack chimney is NOT such an important consideration."