crushed dreams of fiery warmth...

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gnatboy911

Member
Jan 10, 2011
71
Western, CO
So I was recently given a Fisher Grandma Bear stove for free. With a little clean up this could be a very good looking/functional stove. I was very excited and began to research what I needed to do to fix it up and get it installed. That research led me to this site, which is absolutely amazing...such an awesome resource. However I just learned today from talking with the building inspector with the town (I was making sure I was following all the codes for installation) that I can't install this stove because in 1991 the town passed an ordinance that prohibits installation and use of stoves that are not at least Phase 2 EPA compliant. After some research on which stoves are compliant I'm pretty sure that mine is not. It is not listed on the EPA's documentation of compliant stoves. So, I guess I'll just have to wait and find a good deal on a wood burner that is compliant. Hopefully I can find something that is reasonably priced. Probably won't be getting a free one again :(

In case anybody is interested in the EPA list....if that happens to be an issue in your area.....here is the link.

http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/publications/monitoring/caa/woodstoves/certifiedwood.pdf
 
Yes, big box stores start their wood stove clearance sales right around this time of year. The type of stove you are likely to get for free probably isn't going to be compliant with your local ordinances. You may find something in the local papers/craigslist.

Though, since you don't have to spend all of that time fiddling with your free stove, now is a great time to figure out how you're going to make this a reality for next heating season. Where will the stove go? What type of chimney will you use? Will you build a new hearth or make use of an old one? etc etc...

Also, now is a great time to start collecting firewood for next season as any wood you burn will need to be properly seasoned, a process that can take a year or more. Cutting, splitting, and stacking will at least keep you warm!

Lurk, search, ask questions, learn. Welcome to the forum and have fun.
 
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