Brand new to the forum & would like some advice. I own a 1983 Vermont Casting 44. I have used this nice little stove for about five years with no issues. My chimney is not lined. It has a 12" slammer attachment that vents into chimney. The dampener adjustment rod is seized in the open position. Called my local store in Evansville, IN to look into fixing dampener adjustment rod, replacing fans, firebrick, & gaskets. They picked up my stove to take to shop. I am aware of the $300 charge to do so. Got some really bad news- dampener adjustment parts are not available, fans not available, they said they can't replace fire brick because it's not UL approved. I am told I need to have my chimney lined with 25 feet of 8" pipe to be up to code. I am informed of an estimate of $1129.84 to rebuild the old heffer. This price does not include the dampener (that might not even be available) but does include gaskets, two blower fans, repaint, pick up & delivery. Also am hit with a $1729.98 estimate for the 8" chimney liner for a 25 ft run. I was also told that they shouldn't have even taken stove out of my home because it's not UL approved & they can't legally re-install. The office guy / sales guy gave me three options. Rebuild @ $1129.84 plus $1729.98 for liner for a grand total of $2859.12. New Enerzone 2.3 insert & liner at $3999.51 or a Buck Stove 80 cat & liner for $5000.51. I get the chimney liner on all options. This Vermont Casting 44 has been a wonderful little heater for my kitchen & living room area. I love the old school look, big glass, ornate surround, and side mount blowers, so it's real difficult for me to say goodbye to this stove. It's not a primary heat source as I live in Southern Indiana. I am really interested in fixing what I have, not buying new.
I love sitting by the fire!
I love sitting by the fire!