New Comer looking at Pellet Stove inserts, questions.

Hello everyone!

I live in south eastern WI off the lake so it gets pretty cold. It's my 2nd year here in my own home. We have a masonry chimney right now. The box is good, in tact and the chimney is good to go, no cracks or build up. Doubt they ever used it honestly. It's about 18-20' high straight shot. I do have a fireplace in the basement was well that uses the same chimney if that makes any difference.

Looking at a pellet stove for ease of use for my wife and it runs cooler just in case my kid touches it (hope not and will have something up to block him but he's sneaky). I understand you have to keep them pretty clean and need a battery back up if you lose power.

I am looking at putting in a pellet stove insert. I have a few quotes around 1k$ to install.. I'm pretty handy and am thinking of doing this myself (Although I'm going to read the manual once I get one).

Fire box dimensions, Opening 35", 25" deep, 28 1/2" high narrows to the back 26" wide. I do have Masonry stone, like decorative brick so I would put some flashing with it.

My questions,

I know every stove is different, I'm looking for a non-flashy (as in I dont need a big see through window) one that will heat 1500ish sq ft, (we have a all seasons room that I can close the door to hence the ish), preferably with a thermostat.
So what should I be looking for? Are smaller named ones ok?
Is buying used smart or go new that way I can keep it cleaner?

Installation.
I can run the electric behind the stove my question is what type of plug do I need behind it due to the heat? A special plug or just a normal one?

Running the SS liner, I understand it connects to the stove and runs up to the top and is capped off. I'm guessing whatever one I buy will have instructions on how to join the pieces together and how to secure it to the top?

Finally once I take out my damper what do I use to insulate around the liner where the damper area is?

Any tips/suggestions/advice?

I'm going to continue to look for some quotes but it just seems like I can Do it myself as long as I'm careful.

If I buy new is local really best price (seems they are pretty high) or is online a good idea?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

Edit to add, looking at this stove as of now.

http://pellethead.com/product/quadra-fire-classic-bay-1200i-pellet-fireplace-insert/

Friendly bump and question.

My fire box does have some cracking around the front area where it connects to the house. No other cracks. What can I fill that with? High temp caulk? It goes all the way around you can tell it’s from the house shifting slightly. The rest is good.

As of now pretty sure I’m going to give it a go. Looking at a few different stoves. My favorite is this one but we will see.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/282607399232

Also need to look into if I need a OAK tube or not.

Ssyko said:

Fire box? are you meaning your chimney? if its a masonary chimney theres a little more you have to look for than just seal it up. is the liner cracked? is it pulling away from the home structure? i would have it checked befor you put in a liner and stove..

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Sorry I must not be elaborating right. Fire box the box where the firewood goes or where the insert would slide into (I guess that’s not the proper term).

Masonry chimney. Liner is good. Chimney is not pulling away nor falling or any damage to it. It’s in the house.

I can get pics when I get home. That will make more sense.

I also asked my insurance if I can even DIY or if they’ll cancel me if something happens.

Thanks for the reply!

Sorry for the late reply. Here is what I’m talking about.

Also I found this one and am looking at it. Any input?

https://madison.craigslist.org/hsh/d/harman-p35i-fireplace-insert/6386538365.html

Insurance said I can DIY I just have to follow the manufacture specs and take some pics so that’s great news!

Ssyko said:

I don't like this statement "There was no original issue with the stove however I had a plate welded over where there would have been an issue in the future" bs nobody has that done unless there was an issue, its costly and its a very tough job to do without a complete disassembly of the stove which makes me think of air leak issues in the future. Who welded it? were they certified? and they want to much for what it is and has been done. Just my .02

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Thanks that was my thought too but I'm still pretty new. I'm looking at this one https://sheboygan.craigslist.org/app/d/quadra-fire-mt-vernon-e2/6381957628.html it is kinda high $$ but I like to think buy once cry once.

I've tried to do research but it's kinda like tires, everyone has their own input on it.

I'm not in a rush so I have time.

Ssyko said:

Price is same as a new one. Don’t get me wrong i like my quad but for the money I’d have a harman
http://www.harmanstoves.com/Browse/Inserts/Pellet-Inserts.aspx

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Oh ok I found them for 3,500. I asked if there was any room on the price.

I'll check out harman as well. Thank you for your input it's valued!

Ssyko said:

Price is same as a new one. Don’t get me wrong i like my quad but for the money I’d have a harman
http://www.harmanstoves.com/Browse/Inserts/Pellet-Inserts.aspx

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Thanks for your input, I've been looking at harmans now and really like them. The 52i looks amazing! I might wait until the summer and try to pick one up for a little cheaper haha.