Replacing VC Vigilant - suggestions?

I've got a VC Resolute from the same era and clicked on this thread to see any thoughts. Keep in mind that if the chimney/stove pipe is from the same era, you really should be replacing the entire chimney too. At that age, it has paid for itself and according to the experts |I have talked to, there is no realistic way of assessing the insulation inside chimney, so no way of telling if it is good enough to continue to use. If in doubt, replace it.

FWIW, I was all set to order the Ideal Steel Hybrid from Woodstock until I discovered that none of their stoves are ULC approved for use in Canada. UL approval is not good enough for insurance purposes here. I think the Ideal Steel is the best 'bang for the buck' you can buy and it may or may not have the visual appeal that will work in your house. There are other stoves that I consider better (Blaze King King) but the $$$ are much, much higher. Keep in mind that you have been burning on low and with real wood burning on high and a very efficient stove, you'll get way more heat than an old VC. Woodstock does not sell through dealers (a big plus for me) and their service and expertise is second to none. You are unlikely to find a dealer who will recommend or even know about Woodstock but they are close enough to you to pay a visit in NH.

bholler said:

I don't agree with this at all especially due to the fact that we dont know what type or size chimney the op is using. A proper level 2 inspection should be enough to check for any problems.. If it is going into a clay lined chimney i would say a liner is probably in order but regardless have an inspection done and find out. I have a feeling who ever told you that was just trying to sell you a new chimney.

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I was assuming it was a SS insulated chimney, if it's not, my post is moot, as I have no knowledge in anything but SS. I have spoken to multiple independent inspectors because my chimney is 30 yrs old but still being made and compatible with new. I specifically asked about a video inspection of the interior and they all told me that they have tried it and the results could only determine if the chimney was obviously warped, cracked or otherwise not passable. The real risk is the insulation settling over the life span and if you have voids, you have a huge risk and that section is the same as a double wall stove pipe. No visual inspection can determine the condition of the insulation.

They inspect but do not sell and all told me to buy new and they would NOT pass the chimney if they knew it was 30 years old. According to them, it must be still under warranty, which is 25 yrs. If I keep my mouth shut, they would probably pass it because it is immaculate outside. The risk is that if there is a chimney fire and the insurance says I'm not covered because I withheld information, I am not covered. That's the law in my area, yours may be different. Since I'm installing a new wood stove, the entire system must pass, so new chimney it is. BTW, the inspectors I spoke with were all long time certified in multiple levels, not just Joe beginner. I really pressed on this since I am not keen on forking out another few thou for a chimney.

The best answer I have been given is that at 30 yrs old, it's paid for itself many times over, so don't be foolish and replace it. The reality is that I will sell it 'as-is' used and get a decent price for it and someone else will have the risk. Sad but reality is what it is. There have been too many houses burn down in our area last winter due to wood stoves so I am being especially careful because I know the insurance company will be requiring another inspection soon.

My family is not worth the risk of a few thousand dollars saved because I am cheap, and I am very cheap!