Decision made...scared and excited and questions

[mfglickman]

DH and I have been chatting since the last $700 oil bill this week about doing something ASAP about the heat and insulation in this house. We are sinking thinking we can't afford to insulate or buy a stove while paying $800 - 900 a month for oil in order to be cold and uncomfortable. Ugh.

So I visited a couple of area dealers - most were really nice but one stood out as great customer service, really knew the products, no pressure to buy and he gets orders every week from Harman.

So....we now have an XXV on the way, they are going to deliver it next week! Woohoo!

I ordered the vent kit from him (up the fireplace, it will sit on the hearth) because his prices were about $20 more than online and for that I like the peace of mind that I'll get the right pieces.

So 2 questions right off:

1- The OAK - do I have to buy this direct from Harman? Or are there other sources?
2- The fireplace is currently closed up by a piece of sheet metal at the top of the hearth (has not burned a fire in years). There is also plastic sheeting on top of the sheet metal. Our installer wants us to remove these things before he comes to do the install. Any advice besides wearing a mask and laying down lots of plastic to catch whatever might fall out? (FWIW we had this chimney capped but I used to hear water dripping on it when it rained, when we first moved in.)


I found an installer on Craigslist who's got lots of years of HVAC experience and has been burning pellets himself for a long time. Used to install for dealers now does it on his own...seemed very knowledgeable about brands and how to install and etc. and was not afraid to have a permit/inspection done on his work. I am feeling pretty good about this guy so I hope it turns out!

Thanks all!

Mary

 

[mikkeeh]

Not sure about the fireplace.....but materials for the OAK are readily available. Should be no need to purchase from Harman.

 

[lbcynya]

Congrats. You can only hope for the best regarding install.

Read my signature relative to operation of your Xxv...this will save you lots of time and trial.

Do let is know if they plan to use 3 or 4 inch pipe and the approximate length of pipe necessary to go up the chimney.

 

[djs_net]

I found an installer on Craigslist who's got lots of years of HVAC experience and has been burning pellets himself for a long time. Used to install for dealers now does it on his own...seemed very knowledgeable about brands and how to install and etc. and was not afraid to have a permit/inspection done on his work. I am feeling pretty good about this guy so I hope it turns out!

I'm pretty sure this is the same guy who installed my stove. Overall, I thought he did a good job for the money.

If you want more details, PM me.

 

[mfglickman]

Do let is know if they plan to use 3 or 4 inch pipe and the approximate length of pipe necessary to go up the chimney.

The dealer said 4" pipe and that is what he ordered. Is this OK?

 

[Harman Lover 007]

Do let is know if they plan to use 3 or 4 inch pipe and the approximate length of pipe necessary to go up the chimney.

The dealer said 4" pipe and that is what he ordered. Is this OK?

That will do the trick. Sounds like you have a decent vertical run and anything over 12 feet you want 4 inch.

 

[Eatonpcat]

Sounds great, welcome to the insanity!! That's a beautiful stove you are getting

My opinion on your install guy is not good. In my opinion, anyone worth their salt would not be advertising on the List!!

Maybe I'm wrong, If he welcomes a permit, he can't be all bad. Just make sure this happens.

 

[Lousyweather]

DH and I have been chatting since the last $700 oil bill this week about doing something ASAP about the heat and insulation in this house. We are sinking thinking we can't afford to insulate or buy a stove while paying $800 - 900 a month for oil in order to be cold and uncomfortable. Ugh.

So I visited a couple of area dealers - most were really nice but one stood out as great customer service, really knew the products, no pressure to buy and he gets orders every week from Harman.

So....we now have an XXV on the way, they are going to deliver it next week! Woohoo!

I ordered the vent kit from him (up the fireplace, it will sit on the hearth) because his prices were about $20 more than online and for that I like the peace of mind that I'll get the right pieces.

So 2 questions right off:

1- The OAK - do I have to buy this direct from Harman? Or are there other sources?
2- The fireplace is currently closed up by a piece of sheet metal at the top of the hearth (has not burned a fire in years). There is also plastic sheeting on top of the sheet metal. Our installer wants us to remove these things before he comes to do the install. Any advice besides wearing a mask and laying down lots of plastic to catch whatever might fall out? (FWIW we had this chimney capped but I used to hear water dripping on it when it rained, when we first moved in.)


I found an installer on Craigslist who's got lots of years of HVAC experience and has been burning pellets himself for a long time. Used to install for dealers now does it on his own...seemed very knowledgeable about brands and how to install and etc. and was not afraid to have a permit/inspection done on his work. I am feeling pretty good about this guy so I hope it turns out!

Thanks all!

Mary

dealer = no idea, installer = John A.? c'mon....spill it!

 

[slheinlein]

Great choice with the XXV. I've had mine for 4 years now and works unbelievably good. It's also one of the better looking stoves in my opinion. Enjoy the heat!

 

[tinkabranc]

Nice choice ;-)
Be sure to post pics when you get your stove up and running.

 

[mfglickman]

DH and I have been chatting since the last $700 oil bill this week about doing something ASAP about the heat and insulation in this house. We are sinking thinking we can't afford to insulate or buy a stove while paying $800 - 900 a month for oil in order to be cold and uncomfortable. Ugh.

So I visited a couple of area dealers - most were really nice but one stood out as great customer service, really knew the products, no pressure to buy and he gets orders every week from Harman.

So....we now have an XXV on the way, they are going to deliver it next week! Woohoo!

I ordered the vent kit from him (up the fireplace, it will sit on the hearth) because his prices were about $20 more than online and for that I like the peace of mind that I'll get the right pieces.

So 2 questions right off:

1- The OAK - do I have to buy this direct from Harman? Or are there other sources?
2- The fireplace is currently closed up by a piece of sheet metal at the top of the hearth (has not burned a fire in years). There is also plastic sheeting on top of the sheet metal. Our installer wants us to remove these things before he comes to do the install. Any advice besides wearing a mask and laying down lots of plastic to catch whatever might fall out? (FWIW we had this chimney capped but I used to hear water dripping on it when it rained, when we first moved in.)


I found an installer on Craigslist who's got lots of years of HVAC experience and has been burning pellets himself for a long time. Used to install for dealers now does it on his own...seemed very knowledgeable about brands and how to install and etc. and was not afraid to have a permit/inspection done on his work. I am feeling pretty good about this guy so I hope it turns out!

Thanks all!

Mary

dealer = no idea, installer = John A.? c'mon....spill it!

I sent you a PM.

Why not advertise on CL? Especially if you do it as a sideline/hobby, and it's winter so not exactly a rush season I'd assume...?