Finally got my Big E installed and running last night! WARNING! PICS included

[sandman460]

A BIG thank you to all that have helped me with all my dumb questions related to my BIG E and the install. My wife (she is absolutely awesome, loves to do this kind of stuff) and I finished up the install yesterday and fired it up last night. It ran all night, despite me dreaming of starting the roof on fire, hahaha...

Anyway, here are some details. We built the hearth pad ourselves - cut the carpet and relocated the vent in the floor. Put down a piece of 1/2" plywood, and 4 layers of Durock on top of that set in place with thinset mortar. Total R value should be at least 1.4 (1.0 required by Breckwell). Added the tile and trimmed it with stained 2x4 Pine.

The vent is Simpson Duravent (we painted high temp black) set up with the cleanout T at a 45 deg angle, with 1-12" straight, a 45 deg elbow, and 2-60" straights to go up and out of the roof. I think I'll add another 24" to the top of the vent, just to get it MORE beyond the 12" minimum above the roofline required by Breckwell.

I also used a Simpson cold air kit, for 30 bucks it was well spent. Makes for a very clean installation.

Well, here's my pics, let me know what you think. Feel free to ask questions.

Thanks again!
Pat

 

[foldsct]

VERY nice!!

My door opens on the opposite side---that's pretty cool!

My install wasn't as complex as yours......it's already on cement and it's in the basement so it just went out the wall, right thru the foundation. And I thought about the hopper, but I don't know if I have enough clearance since I have a drop ceiling!

Good luck--it's been doing a good job for me!!

Elle

 

[sydney1963]

Looks very nice! Good work. We installed our ourselves as well. You will get over the nervousness.

 

[kinsmanstoves]

Looks good.

Eric

 

[mralias]

I like........what did you use to build the floor pad, it looks great!

 

[Xena]

First rate job, congrats to you and the wife!
Enjoy that bad boy!

what did you use to build the floor pad...

Read his post again, he explained it.

 

[imacman]

Really nice, neat, professional looking install.....enjoy the heat!

Oh, and BTW, don't forget to get a surge protector for that stove...the electronics don't like voltage spikes.....something like this is what i used:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2454736&tab=summary

 

[foldsct]

Uh oh..........I didn't think of that!!

Guess I better go get a surge protector for my stove!! I just have it plugged into the wall...............

 

[tmielke]

I am a newb here with a Big E as well. The only issue that I have had is auger jams related to fines in the pellets. I have taken to vacuuming the fines out prior to bringing the pellets into the house. No more jams. Also allergic reactions from one of my daughters disappeared.

I have been very satisfied with the heat. Lowest temp outside has been 19 degrees and no need for a furnace yet. I have run a small electric heater in the living room occasionally to bring the temp up five degrees.

 

[bobm33]

very very nice looking job!

 

[tinkabranc]

Very nice! Great looking install!

 

[trogers]

Spectacular job! Cool wife!

 

[tmielke]

I forgot to add... First rate looking install!