Anyone know of a good dealer for a insert in west central Illinois

[jeffoc]

I live in farm country out here and nobody around heats with wood. I went to the one place listed close to me and the last stove they installed was 6 years ago. They are coming out Tuesday They carry regency but would like some other options. Is there anyone in my area that can recomend a good place? I am willing to drive some for the purchase but I need someone to look at my strange fireplace first.

 

[bayshorecs]

Whereabouts you at? I am just outside of Peoria and installing my stove myself over the next few weeks.

 

[jeffoc]

I work in Peoria and live in Macomb. I had planned to install an insert and liner myself but ran into problems with the size of the existing fireplace. Where did you get your stove at? A store or private party?

 

[bayshorecs]

I purchased the wood stove from Menards in peoria. Cost me around $700.

Country Hearth and Home sells units, installs, sweeps chimneys, etc. But living in Macomb, they might not go that far. Plus, they are pricey. For the $1200 in chimney I needed, they quoted $1500-$2000 for the parts and $1500 for the install. site unseen, just based on drawings.

With those miles each day, you should look into biodiesel and a VW for the drive. PM me if you want to talk about that though.

 

[jeffoc]

I may have to stop by there one day and look at what they have. I think I saw them online when I was looking at Pacific Energy inserts.
I did think about using wvo for my commute but the collection of it would have taken more time than I have. After looking at canidates for the conversion I bought an old mercedes. Gas though.

 

[bayshorecs]

Might want to stop by soon if you can. Going into season, I bet you are looking at a late november install date if any. Personally, I would find what you like/need and buy it online to ship to you if you plan to install yourself.

gas MB, yuck. My diesel VW gets +50mpg with homebrew BD at $.90 a gallon. I have saved a bundle on my 130 mile round trip (live in Elmwood, work in Toluca) over the past 3 years! a GOOD source of oil is key. I only need to go one place once per week

 

[jeffoc]

I had it all planned out but when I got the acutual measurements of the spot the sizing was wrong. I can install it myself I just need someone to look at my fireplace mainly. If I have to I will let them install it.
If I could get someone out here I would just as soon buy online, I don't do well with salesmen.
I drive 220 miles a day and that MB really feels good after a long day. Eats alot of gas though true.

 

[bayshorecs]

I would draw it up and post it here. Should be able to get some help.

 

[jeffoc]

I tried that but so far no replies. I removed an old, maybe original insert, the house was built in 1914 expecting to find a normal fireplace. But it is formed to fit the burner that was removed. So it give me a very small box to install a new insert. I just need to know if it was filled in or special built. My wife won't let me just go at it with a hammer, that was my first impulse.
Sometimes it is bad to live in the middle of nowhere. Hard to find the right people.

 

[Jake]

try to maybe find someone from Quincy. I cant add much other than that, but I did spend a few years in macomb polishing up my drinking skills

 

[jeffoc]

Thanks, I did find a place in Quincy. They are going to come out next week hopefully. The guy is supposed to let me know Monday when he can come. It's 65 miles one way. I hope he tells me something good when he gets here.

 

[Jake]

. It's 65 miles one way.

I'm fully aware, I drive from mchenry IL through macomb to quincy and back on average of once every 6 weeks (wife's fromm Qtown)

 

[boostnut]

You may want to contact The Stove Shop in Pekin. From what I understand they are the most knowledgable around. I bought my insert from Hearth & Patio in Peoria, just a couple of miles from Country Hearth & Home. The help in Hearth and Patio was polite but not exactly knowledgable. They sell (or did a few years ago) Jotul. The C350 winterport is a small unit, maybe something to look at. Good luck!