Quad Mt. Vernon vs. Mt. Vernon AE

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Drew1024

New Member
Jan 29, 2008
90
Central NJ
Guys:

I have a 4000 sq ft house so I need a big stove to at least heat my downstairs. We didn't care for the look of the Harman 68 so I started looking at the Quads. Much to my dismay, I have seem my fair share of disappointing posts with the AE. That being said,
I have an offer from a Quad dealer who has one 2006 mt. vernon model left for 2299.99 vs. 3000.00 for the AE. I know the AE is much quieter but not without its problems. I think the 2006 models were ok though weren't they? Any insight would be appreciated.
 
If I didn't buy the Harman P61A, and if the Mt Vernon - non AE were available at the time - I would have purchased it. Nice design, great heat output, and reliability make the older version when found a great buy.
 
Drew1024 said:
Guys:

I have a 4000 sq ft house so I need a big stove to at least heat my downstairs. We didn't care for the look of the Harman 68 so I started looking at the Quads. Much to my dismay, I have seem my fair share of disappointing posts with the AE. That being said,
I have an offer from a Quad dealer who has one 2006 mt. vernon model left for 2299.99 vs. 3000.00 for the AE. I know the AE is much quieter but not without its problems. I think the 2006 models were ok though weren't they? Any insight would be appreciated.

It's too bad you don't like the look of the P68. It's asthetics vs ash pan size. Sure the Mt Vernon and similar stoves look more traditional, but you also have to empty the ash pan every week or less, where as the P68 can be done once a month in most circumstances.
 
The original Mt Vernon will put out a lot of heat and uses all the old technology as the other Quad units. Less technology to break in them. Should be pretty reliable.
 
I have a Mt. Vernon that was installed in Dec. 2005 and in all it has been a good stove. The only problems I have had with it have been directly related to bad luck with crappy pellets. From what I have heard, the AE has some issues that can present problems later down the road. The price seems pretty fair too because when we bought ours, my husband and I paid almost $4000 for the stove and the installation (may have been over $4000 been so long!). I think you would be happy with the older Mt. Vernon! Good luck!
 
What does your dealer say about the AE? If he is capable of servicing them in the event that you would need an updated control board or wall unit then I would go ahead and get the AE. The stove is only as good as the dealer you purchase it from. I have an AE and had some initial start-up issues, all of which have been resolved by my dealer. The stove is running great, 24/7, and heating an area over 3,650 sq/ft. Good luck in your decision!
 
I bought a Mt Vernon Quad in fall of 05. I have a 2200 sq ft house with electric heat. Before you buy, you might want to explain the layout of your house and what you want to heat with the stove. The more wide open it is, the better. If you have alot of halls and door ways, you might want to reconsider.... My mt vernon does well for my 2 story house but there are a few area's in my house where the heat won't reach without help. Just putting in my 2 cents.

Make sure where you buy your stove, they also can repair and clean your said stove. Make sure the seller instructs you on how to clean and remove the cast iron baffles to clean the baffle tubes of soot. I clean my stove every 3-4 days. I remove the cast iron to expose and clean the baffels once a heating season. Hope my post helps you to decide.

Bryce
 
I wanted to add that our Mt Vernon does get some help from our propane stove in the utility room but combined they do a pretty good job. We have a 4500 sq ft home and it is alot to ask out of any stove to heat this house but the two together do a good job. Like the other person said, definately explain to your salesman what your home is like and maybe he can help you make the best decision! Again, good luck!
 
debbiels1979 said:
I wanted to add that our Mt Vernon does get some help from our propane stove in the utility room but combined they do a pretty good job. We have a 4500 sq ft home and it is alot to ask out of any stove to heat this house but the two together do a good job. Like the other person said, definately explain to your salesman what your home is like and maybe he can help you make the best decision! Again, good luck!

I'm sure every dealer/installer is different, but the installer (seperate company from the dealer of the stove) came over to our house free of charge to help us decide on what we needed, best location for the stove, and answer any other questions we might have had.
 
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