Used Vermont Castings WinterWarm Small Insert - questions?

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raygo

New Member
Apr 13, 2011
1
Ontario, Canada
we are looking at a used unit to avoid paying full retail, but have some questions.

1. the fans in the back "hum" but don't blow any air. does this mean that we need to replace both fans? or is it possible that the blower is heat sensitive and only comes on at a certain temperature? we had no fire in the box when we tested. since this is a current model still, we are learning replacement cost for the fans.

2. the catalytic converter is being checked by the dealer selling the used unit to us. we prefer to know the right way to tell if the converter needs to be replaced or not. how should we check, and what questions should we ask to know for sure? again, we are learning replacement cost.

3. what is life expectancy for this, or any, wood insert assuming frequent weekend use only, with care? unit is already likely 10 years old. can we get another 20 years? if not, what will go on it, and can we assume that we can continue to get parts for the next two decades (VC or 3rd party?)

much thanks. we are just about to decide on this and your input will help us to de-risk the purchase.

Ray
 
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