I am preparing for a new installation in Washington DC. We have very happily used our pre-existing, original construction, fireplace in our 1920's home for ambiance and have noted that we get great heat while it is burning. Energy audit was executed three years ago in conjunction with an AC replacement. AC was replaced with ductless mini-split units throughout the house (amazing by the way) but most importantly, the house was insulated properly (expanding foam is great stuff). The difference for the following winter was amazing. Rooms were now livable and the house could be enjoyed.
I want to install a wood burning stove insert simply because we use our fire so much, we may as well actually derive the most possible from the wood we are burning. The fireplace will also be far more economical than running the mini-splits on heat mode when it gets cold and more efficient than the backup boiler system that is still in place.
After a few months of lurking here, I have narrowed my decision down to the following inserts: Pacific Energy Neo 2.5 (Wife's vote for the contemporary looks) or the Blaze King Princess (My vote for the control over the burn). In my perfect world, both would be achievable with a Blaze King Chinook INSERT, alas it appears that the combination of contemporary looks and BK functionality/control is still not available.
My question is this. I am calling around in DC to installers and they all maintain that they only install stoves that they are dealers for. I keep calling sweeps and they point me to their Regency or other very nice lines, however, I have already narrowed my choice down (unless somebody here knows of a stove I have not given due diligence to), I just need it installed. The scope of the project is beyond my comfort level and time available for me to attack this as a DIY. I am willing to hire an expert for expert installation. However, I cannot find one. In particular for the PE unit. Blaze King does have a limited presence out here, but the PE is an enigma. I have emailed PE twice and received no response as to recommended installers in the area (maybe their response does not bode well for future customer service). I just do not want my decision made by installers not willing to install a unit that they have not sold. Am I missing something obvious here.
I have two installers coming in the next week to scope the project and original fireplace out before providing estimates. Both have offered Blaze King support with a no to the Pacific Energy models. The good news for you all is that they seem very, very busy and business appears good.
I want to install a wood burning stove insert simply because we use our fire so much, we may as well actually derive the most possible from the wood we are burning. The fireplace will also be far more economical than running the mini-splits on heat mode when it gets cold and more efficient than the backup boiler system that is still in place.
After a few months of lurking here, I have narrowed my decision down to the following inserts: Pacific Energy Neo 2.5 (Wife's vote for the contemporary looks) or the Blaze King Princess (My vote for the control over the burn). In my perfect world, both would be achievable with a Blaze King Chinook INSERT, alas it appears that the combination of contemporary looks and BK functionality/control is still not available.
My question is this. I am calling around in DC to installers and they all maintain that they only install stoves that they are dealers for. I keep calling sweeps and they point me to their Regency or other very nice lines, however, I have already narrowed my choice down (unless somebody here knows of a stove I have not given due diligence to), I just need it installed. The scope of the project is beyond my comfort level and time available for me to attack this as a DIY. I am willing to hire an expert for expert installation. However, I cannot find one. In particular for the PE unit. Blaze King does have a limited presence out here, but the PE is an enigma. I have emailed PE twice and received no response as to recommended installers in the area (maybe their response does not bode well for future customer service). I just do not want my decision made by installers not willing to install a unit that they have not sold. Am I missing something obvious here.
I have two installers coming in the next week to scope the project and original fireplace out before providing estimates. Both have offered Blaze King support with a no to the Pacific Energy models. The good news for you all is that they seem very, very busy and business appears good.
), I realized it is not difficult.
