Hello everyone, new member here, great site with tons of great info!
As I started my research for a new pellet insert to replace my current Majestic propane inset I found this site. Now, I’m not totally new to pellet stoves as I had one in my previous home, it was a Vermont Castings free standing stove for my three season porch. It was several years ago so I figured I needed to get back out there and see where the Industry/technology was at this point.
After several weeks of research, talking with local dealers, reading this forum, etc, I finally decided on the Harman Accentra. I pulled the trigger about 2 weeks before Christmas and was able to get the inset installed on 12/30 (just in time to take advantage of the tax rebate!).
I have had the stove running 24/7 since the afternoon of 12/30 and I would like to share my experience in case it may help other “newbie’s†like me. First, the facts.
Harman Accentra Cost - $3799 minus a $100 coupon form Harman = $3699. All the dealers around me were within a $100 bucks and none would move on the price. Business seems to be good!
Install - $450 – It took them about 3 hours to do the install, they had no issues.
Pellets – They usually include several bags but got them to include ½ ton (Maine Woods).
I removed the gas insert myself but had a Chimney Sweep inspect my current chimney and install a 4†stainless steel liner/cap – Cost $900 – install took about 3.5 hours.
Total cost - $5049 with $1244 back from the government leaving me with an investment of $3805. I currently use about 1300 gallons of oil per season heating a 3000 square foot house and my expectation was to reduce my oil consumption by 50%. From what I've seen so far I should have no problem with hitting that goal and may in fact be able to do a little better.
I do have a good set-up for the insert, as it is an open concept house. I would say the only drawback for me is I have a cathedral ceiling right over the insert but I do have ceiling fan that runs on low and does a good job of mixing the air. I am able to maintain 72 degrees downstairs and 75 degrees upstairs with outside temperatures in the 20s with no problems.
I start to lose some when the temperatures go into the low teens and single numbers but I fully expected that and in fact, I am quite surprised that the insert is holding its own at these low temperatures.
Thanks for all the great info; I look forward to a warm winter with a few extra green back in my pocket!
As I started my research for a new pellet insert to replace my current Majestic propane inset I found this site. Now, I’m not totally new to pellet stoves as I had one in my previous home, it was a Vermont Castings free standing stove for my three season porch. It was several years ago so I figured I needed to get back out there and see where the Industry/technology was at this point.
After several weeks of research, talking with local dealers, reading this forum, etc, I finally decided on the Harman Accentra. I pulled the trigger about 2 weeks before Christmas and was able to get the inset installed on 12/30 (just in time to take advantage of the tax rebate!).
I have had the stove running 24/7 since the afternoon of 12/30 and I would like to share my experience in case it may help other “newbie’s†like me. First, the facts.
Harman Accentra Cost - $3799 minus a $100 coupon form Harman = $3699. All the dealers around me were within a $100 bucks and none would move on the price. Business seems to be good!
Install - $450 – It took them about 3 hours to do the install, they had no issues.
Pellets – They usually include several bags but got them to include ½ ton (Maine Woods).
I removed the gas insert myself but had a Chimney Sweep inspect my current chimney and install a 4†stainless steel liner/cap – Cost $900 – install took about 3.5 hours.
Total cost - $5049 with $1244 back from the government leaving me with an investment of $3805. I currently use about 1300 gallons of oil per season heating a 3000 square foot house and my expectation was to reduce my oil consumption by 50%. From what I've seen so far I should have no problem with hitting that goal and may in fact be able to do a little better.
I do have a good set-up for the insert, as it is an open concept house. I would say the only drawback for me is I have a cathedral ceiling right over the insert but I do have ceiling fan that runs on low and does a good job of mixing the air. I am able to maintain 72 degrees downstairs and 75 degrees upstairs with outside temperatures in the 20s with no problems.
I start to lose some when the temperatures go into the low teens and single numbers but I fully expected that and in fact, I am quite surprised that the insert is holding its own at these low temperatures.
Thanks for all the great info; I look forward to a warm winter with a few extra green back in my pocket!