Good dealer in Southeastern MA?

[pelletman]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a good dealer to buy and install a Harmon XXV? I've spoken with Ash Away Hearth & Chimney in Dartmouth. They seem OK, but information from them regarding pricing and availability has been inconsistent. I'm not sure if this is warning sign or not. Has anyone used them before? Also, has anyone heard of American Energy Savers from New Bedford? Any other recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

 

[tinkabranc]

I purchased my XXV from Ashaway. When we visited them, they were very busy but they still
took the time to answer any questions and went through the basics of the stove and the maintenance.
The installers were friendly and professional too so we were pleased with the experience and would
probably purchase from them again in the future.

They do service the stoves they sell, but I have not had to call them for anything as I have not had
any issues. Besides, any additional questions I had after purchase were answered here on hearth.com
instead. I did not find this site until after I already had my stove.

Depending where you are in SE MA, there is another Harman dealer in Mansfield
called Kirley Masonry. Never bought from them tho.

 

[oc4man]

I purchased my stove from American Energy Savers and was quite happy with the install and price of the stove. A big savings compared to Ash Away.

 

[Souzafone]

We bought our stove at Ashaway also, and the staff was knowledgeable and took the time to answer all my questions. I bought it on a tax holiday, so they were swamped, but I had a good idea what I wanted and asked a ton of questions. The install was not good, may they sublet contractors for a few weeks after a big sale, but while everything looked fine, the power cord was left cable tied to the bottom of the back of the stove. It took me about 10-15 mins to snip the ties using snips and a mirror. But this also means the unit never got checked for draft, because it wasn't run if the power cord was tie wrapped.

 

[passthepuck]

We were just ripped off by Acushnet Alternative Heating. Lots of lies, lousy service, and the owner is the most arrogant disrespectful person. They are demanding a 20% restocking fee on a stove that I didn't even order. STAY AWAY!

 

[tinkabranc]

We were just ripped off by Acushnet Alternative Heating. Lots of lies, lousy service, and the owner is the most arrogant disrespectful person. They are demanding a 20% restocking fee on a stove that I didn't even order. STAY AWAY!

Confused....How did you get ripped off if you didn't order a stove?

 

[passthepuck]

I ordered a stove, back in Aug. After a couple months of lies..ie, the truck broke down, they didn't send your stove, they finally scheduled to install this past Tues. they were supposed to be there at 12, and I received a call at 2, telling me the manufacturer sent the wrong stove. They assured me that he stove was of the same quality, and It was so much like the one I ordered, I agreed for them to bring it to my house for the install so I could see it. The stove was a cheap "Home Depot" like version. i told them I did not want that stove, that the quality was so poor, and they are now demanding a 20% fee. Dealing with the owner has been extremely frustrating. This was supposed to be my winters heat source. Im out at this time over $3,000. 3 kids, one in college, I'm a little worried.

 

[eric_s]

I actually had decent luck with Acushnet Alternative Heating. But they sell Quadrafire, not Harman's like the original poster asked.
If I had gone Harman, I would have went with American Energy over Ashway because of price and he was more interested in answering questions then the sales guy I talked to at Ash Away.

As for my Acushnet experience. Ordered a stove mid June and told it should be in beginning of August. Actually showed up mid September. I agree they may not be great business people, but I found my other option in ordering a Quadrafire quite arrogant as well. By going to Acushnet I saved $1000 over the other Quad dealer. I'd be happier if communication was better, but I've come to expect this as the norm.

I'd be interested in knowing what stove (make and model) you ordered and what they delivered.

 

[nailed_nailer]

I usually buy my pellets from Ash A Way in Dartmouth. They are usually busy but the loading service is fast and easy.

I have also bought pellets at Cape Cod Stoves in Mashpee on the Cape.

(broken link removed)

They sell corn and pellet stoves. Not sure how they compare for stove pricing/service but they great to deal with for pellets.

Good Luck,
---Nailer---

 

[passthepuck]

We ordered a the Saranac from Hudson River. We received the Niagara. We were told by them that these were good stoves. I have never had a pellet stove, grew up on wood. We were referred to them by a friend. Sorry I listened. The owner has been so awfull. He has threatened me with the police, simply because he can't admit to screwing up my order. I would rather pay $1000 more for a stove from someone who deserves it. The people at Southcoast Hearth and Patio, and Cape Cod Stove Center, are alway super. They will be seeing me soon, when I get my money back that is.

 

[eric_s]

Sorry you had such a bad experience. As I said the communications weren't great, but in the end they delivered what I ordered and for a good price. I think compared to some of the stories I read on here about other dealers, I can not complain. Knock on wood...my stove runs great so I guess I will see what happens if I ever need service.
Hope you get you issue resolved.

 

[PelletRat]

Well my Quadrafire Mt. Vernon finally was installed 3 weeks ago. For those still waiting it was ordered the last week in June and installed the last week of October. The manufacturers tag on the stove said it was built 09/08 and is made in the USA. I did see the email from the parent company(H&H of Quadrafire and Harman stating the price increase of up to 15% would be applied to any stove delivered after August. Some dealers tried to collect the increase after the fact. Not Acushnet Alternative Heating as a matter of fact they ate most the price increase by absorbing it into the pipe kit and installation. There price turned out to be cheaper than the Seekonk store was BEFORE the price increase was announced. AAH also tried to get H&H;to send out letters to all his customers explaining why the stoves were delayed. Why should the dealer take all the heat because the manufacturer didn't deliver on time?
This is a father and son business and I don't understand some of the postings that were left on this site ……… I would recommend Acushnet Alternative Heating to anyone looking …… and to those who still haven't gotten their stoves yet from there.

 

[oc4man]

I would not hesitate to purchase a stove from Acushnet Alternative Heating.My dealings with them have only been to purchase pellets and the level of professionalism and knowledge is quite high.Passed by there this am and they do have quite a few tons out back.

 

[MAD DOG]

We bought our Stove from Ashaway the Install was Great and the workers cleaned any mess they made. Had a problem with the Stove about 6 months after install Ashaway came out about six times and tried to repair. I called Harman after this and Ashaway got a little up set but still stood by their stove. It was replaced about a month later with a Brand New Stove.

I know of a few people that have used other Stove Co. Like the one in Middleboro Ma they are a little high on their prices but stand behind their Stoves 100% and are great with Customer Service.

Acushnet Alternative Heating is a very new Stove Co. They have great prices on Pellets and Stoves. But are lacking in the Customer Service. When you buy a Stove from them they tell you nothing about Permits or Laws. Also very slow at getting Stoves on time. Repair/Install is a F- They were installing stoves without a LICENSE State of Massachusetts sent them a letter about this and as of Nov. 12, 2008 they still have no LICENSE.

> ATTENTION <<<

http://www.mass.gov/
Search for: Heating Safely with Solid Fuels

Alternative fuel stoves: wood - pellet - coal - gas

MASSACHUSETTS LAW REQUIRES.......
"ALL" wood - pellet - coal - gas stoves require an installation
permit and follow-up installation inspection.

If you choose a contractor / chimney company to do your install, the
INDIVIDUAL INSTALLER MUST HAVE
1) Mass. Home Improvement Contractors Licence.
2) Construction Supervisor Specialty License.
specifically for "Solid Fuel Appliances"

(broken link removed)


IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Homeowners Insurance may not cover
any damage done by chimney fires on improperly /un-permitted installed stoves. Many insurance companies are requesting copies of the install permit be submitted to validate insurance claims.

If you are buying a home with a wood-pellet stove be sure to get a copy of the permit! If the seller has no permit, protect yourself have a CHIMNEY SPECIALIST inspect and validate the stove is TO CODE!

Nothing worse than telling a new home owner that his/her stove is not to code and/or that it has a heavy creosote buildup/cracked liner/no clean-out door. Prior to the safe use of the wood-pellet stove it has several hundred to thousand dollars worth of issues to address. BE A WISE HOME PURCHASER!!

 

[MAD DOG]

Installation FYI:

A building permit needs to be obtained prior to installation of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood, coal or pellet burning stoves and must be inspected by the local building inspector prior to their initial use as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code.Allow at least 36 inches of clearance around the appliance to prevent combustibles from coming into contact with heat sources.
Solid fuel heating appliances cannot share a common flue with chimney flues utilized by other solid, fossil, or gas fired appliances.
A qualified mason should inspect the chimney and flue before the stove is used. Cracks in the flue or mortar joints can allow flames and heated gases to extend into the structure



SEE THE PIC

 

[passthepuck]

We are having problems with this as we speak. The partial install we had done by Acushnet Home Heating, is not up to standards, according to our building inpector. We were notified of the lisencing problem with Acushnet by our inspector. We have wires laying on the sleave. We cannot hook up our stove until this is fixed. Buyer beware!!

 

[eric_s]

We bought our Stove from Ashaway the Install was Great and the workers cleaned any mess they made. Had a problem with the Stove about 6 months after install Ashaway came out about six times and tried to repair. I called Harman after this and Ashaway got a little up set but still stood by their stove. It was replaced about a month later with a Brand New Stove.

I know of a few people that have used other Stove Co. Like the one in Middleboro Ma they are a little high on their prices but stand behind their Stoves 100% and are great with Customer Service.

Acushnet Alternative Heating is a very new Stove Co. They have great prices on Pellets and Stoves. But are lacking in the Customer Service. When you buy a Stove from them they tell you nothing about Permits or Laws. Also very slow at getting Stoves on time. Repair/Install is a F- They were installing stoves without a LICENSE State of Massachusetts sent them a letter about this and as of Nov. 12, 2008 they still have no LICENSE.

I'd be interested to know why you rate their Repair/Install as an F- if you didn't buy your stove from them. No repairs yet, but the install went ok and they took away all the trash too.

 

[MAD DOG]

I would Rate them as stated due to seeing for my own eyes the work they have done. I have also heard from approximately four people that have had problems with them. I'm not here to make them sound bad in any way. They have Stoves at GREAT prices and Pellets. But they just need to get better on Customer service and the work which they do. They have just started out and could be the Best Stove Co. on the South Shore if they just work on that.

 

[abbdog]

Well my Quadrafire Mt. Vernon finally was installed 3 weeks ago. For those still waiting it was ordered the last week in June and installed the last week of October. The manufacturers tag on the stove said it was built 09/08 and is made in the USA. I did see the email from the parent company(H&H of Quadrafire and Harman stating the price increase of up to 15% would be applied to any stove delivered after August. Some dealers tried to collect the increase after the fact. Not Acushnet Alternative Heating as a matter of fact they ate most the price increase by absorbing it into the pipe kit and installation. There price turned out to be cheaper than the Seekonk store was BEFORE the price increase was announced. AAH also tried to get H&H;to send out letters to all his customers explaining why the stoves were delayed. Why should the dealer take all the heat because the manufacturer didn't deliver on time?
This is a father and son business and I don't understand some of the postings that were left on this site ……… I would recommend Acushnet Alternative Heating to anyone looking …… and to those who still haven't gotten their stoves yet from there.

How can a manufacturer change the set price on an order already placed. They should eat the increase.

 

[pelletman]

I started this original thread and ended up buying my XXV from American Energy Savers. I ordered in June and in October it was installed. I'm very happy with my purchase and the level of service. I would definitely recommend them.

As for Acushnet Alternative Energy, I personally know of a couple people who have bought pellets from them--they've been happy with them. On the other hand, I've also heard (second hand) about folks having a lot of trouble with them. It's really troubling to hear that they're installing stoves improperly--it sounds like "buyer beware" to me.

 

[MAD DOG]

Hey Pelletman I wish you luck with your Harman Stove. I have a Harman and Love it. Heat's the whole house no problem. Very easy to clean.

 

[Romen]

Just registered today ,although I've been an avid reader here for some time. Had my Harman Accentra FS installed in late Aug and purchased it from American Energy in New Bedford. They had the stove in stock , as opposed to Ashaway , who couldn't get a one until Oct. Rene , the owner, answered all my questions and concerns, we set up an install date, Andy came by on the appointed day and did a great install . Would have gone with Ashaway but American Energy won me over with quickness of delivery and a pretty subsantial savings P.S. Love my Accentra

 

[eric_s]

I started this original thread and ended up buying my XXV from American Energy Savers. I ordered in June and in October it was installed. I'm very happy with my purchase and the level of service. I would definitely recommend them.

As for Acushnet Alternative Energy, I personally know of a couple people who have bought pellets from them--they've been happy with them. On the other hand, I've also heard (second hand) about folks having a lot of trouble with them. It's really troubling to hear that they're installing stoves improperly--it sounds like "buyer beware" to me.

Like I mentioned, my only issue with AAH was I would have liked better communications even if they didn't have any answers.

As for the installations, they did mine and it was fine. Past inspection without a problem so not all installations if their's have problems. They used quality venting (Pellet Vent Pro) as well. I would have no issue recommending them to others. And pricing wise them and American Energy Savers were far better than the other options.

 

[tinkabranc]

Hmmm...seems to be a conflict here.
One says AAH installation passed inspection but another says they
have no license.

How were they able to get a permit approved without a license in MA?
Who is the installer on the application? The homeowner?

 

[MAD DOG]

Thats a good question? Installer should pull Permit not the Homeowner if they paid to have the Stove Installed.