Do I need to use certified dealer for inspection?

[cbscout]

I’ve been using a specific dealer (the dealer I bought my Alderlea T5 Classic insert from)to clean my chimney and inspect my insert every year. This year I am leaning towards using a different place to do so, but I don’t think they are a certified dealer of Pacific Energy. Does this really matter as long as they have a good reputation?

 

[begreen]

No, ideally they would be certified sweeps, but they do not have to be from a PE dealer. What is important is that they know how the PE differs from conventional tube or catalytic wood stoves so that before cleaning, the secondary feed tube is blocked. And after cleaning, that the side blankets are properly set against the baffle when reinstalling, and the lock key is inserted at the back of the baffle. If the door gasket is due for replacement, insist on the OEM gasket.

 

[cbscout]

Thanks, begreen. Never thought about that (regarding catalytic vs non-catalytic during cleaning) and how it would make such a difference during cleaning. I changed the glass gasket this winter and found the OEM one in Canada (apparently PE buys it and relabels it or something). I couldn’t find a door gasket though so I’d have to go through the dealer like you said. I think the dealer that sold me the unit has been replacing them off of a roll according to someone I talked to there.

I want a chimney sweep, competent inspection and any maintenance that might need to be done. I know that the brick has to be replaced this year. A few of the bottom brick are different sizes. Do you think I should bother to cut them to size or just order the set?

 

[begreen]

Be careful of it coming off the roll. I did that with a local PE dealer and the results were terrible. Now I only will put in an OEM gasket. Also, be sure to have a new baffle gasket on hand to go over the secondary tube before reinstalling the baffle. Otherwise the tech may put the baffle in without that gasket.

It's rare that all the brick needs to be replaced. Often it is the rear bricks that get cracked first. If so, sometimes the cracked brick can swap position with a floor brick. This can be a DIY process. Replacement brick does not need to be OEM as long as it's the right size and is made from pumice. US Stove sell 6 packs of pumice firebrick that is more reasonably priced.

 

[cbscout]

Be careful of it coming off the roll. I did that with a local PE dealer and the results were terrible. Now I only will put in an OEM gasket. Also, be sure to have a new baffle gasket on hand to go over the secondary tube before reinstalling the baffle. Otherwise the tech may put the baffle in without that gasket.

It's rare that all the brick needs to be replaced. Often it is the rear bricks that get cracked first. If so, sometimes the cracked brick can swap position with a floor brick. This can be a DIY process. Replacement brick does not need to be OEM as long as it's the right size and is made from pumice. US Stove sell 6 packs of pumice firebrick that is more reasonably priced.

I’m afraid I’m a bit ignorant about the baffle. What is a baffle gasket? Regarding the bricks, I’ve replaced a couple on the sides already. There are others that are ready to be replaced, and they’re doable like you said. The bottom is made up of bricks of different sizes (it figures), so I would need to cut a few to size. I think if you buy the whole set it’s like $124. Otherwise, you buy the brick and then cut it to size.

 

[begreen]

Last I checked, a full brickset for the T5 is about $250. I make them last. We are still on about 75% original bricks on our 17 yr old stove. A replacement box of 6 from US Stove is about $34 on Amazon.

The baffle gasket sits around the secondary air tube that feeds into the baffle. The shape is a thin rectangle. The size depends on the stove model and year. They are typically about $3 ea. at the dealer. It's good to pick up some spares. Or you could cut or make your own.

 

[cbscout]

Last I checked, a full brickset for the T5 is about $250. I make them last. We are still on about 75% original bricks on our 17 yr old stove. A replacement box of 6 from US Stove is about $34 on Amazon.

The baffle gasket sits around the secondary air tube that feeds into the baffle. The shape is a thin rectangle. The size depends on the stove model and year. They are typically about $3 ea. at the dealer. It's good to pick up some spares. Or you could cut or make your own.

Then I am gonna go ahead and check the floor bricks in the insert. I did not see him pull them up to check them when they were here doing the cleaning and inspection. I did notice that there are definitely ones on the sides that need to be replaced, but I only looked at a couple.

Thanks for the heads up on the baffle gasket. I appreciate it.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Here are the door part numbers.