How reliable can I expect my Harman to be?

[jslinger]

For some reason, whenever I get something new or different, I expect it to break all the time. When I get a new (to me) car, I don't trust it until I have had it for at least six months. It doesn't inherently make any sense.
I feel the same way about my XXV. I bought it new, and have had it for three years. Since it was new, I have just been waiting for the auger, or one of the fans to break.
I was wondering what other people thought were realistic expectations for reliability? How long did you have your Harman (or otherwise) before you had an issues?

On another note. I have a Magpul field case in OD green for an iPod 6. I recently got rid of the 6 in favor of a 5S. The first person who wants it, just needs to provide me with their address, and I will ship it to them free of charge. This is the first forum I have ever been a part of that isn't filled with know it all d-bags. So I just wanted to show a bit of appreciation.
Thanks.

 

[rona]

To set your mind at ease regarding Harmans I Know 4 people who have owned PC45s since 2006 and the only problem they have had is replacing the agitator and end plate of the pot. That's 9 years with the original combustion fan , convection fan , motor for auger and ESP probe.

 

[GeHmTS]

Unless you lose power, very reliable

 

[jslinger]

Wow. Nine years is impressive. I guess I should assume that if a cheap Chinese fan can run very often and for years, then the ones they use in these stoves should be capable of lasting quite a while.

 

[TheMightyMoe]

If you run on automatic, the igniter is considered a wear part, and DEPENDING ON USAGE, may require changing at some point (2-4 years?)

 

[rona]

If you run on automatic, the igniter is considered a wear part, and DEPENDING ON USAGE, may require changing at some point (2-4 years?)

Running on automatic is a fallacy around here and I don't know of anybody that does. If you run on manual the flame will drop to a idle and the stove will still be contributing a little heat but the cost of idling is very low. The idea of off and on during winter is more of being able to rather then a good idea. I know different stoves advertise that their model can do it but why bother would be my question. One of the good things about pellet or multi fuel stoves is a steady source of heat. Off and on isn't a steady source of heat.

 

[jp99]

I bought my PC45 in early 2008. Within a couple of months the vacuum switch went out and I had to replace it.

I haven't replaced any other parts other than wear items. In general, by the time you've used your stove for 3 years you're past the "bathtub failure" period where weak parts will fail. At this point you should see parts fail at the end of their useful life.

 

[THE ROOSTER]

Harman Accentra insert bought new in Nov. 2007, all original parts, just do the maintance that is well detailed here. And yes it's the original igniter...

 

[gfreek]

Warranty replacement defective auger motor, 2 months old, on my Harman .. Other than that it's been good. On 4th year, combustion motor a little noisy at start, that's all so far.

 

[GENECOP]

Recommended reading.......The Secret....

 

[Wilbur Feral]

Oh, man... You had to ask them to talk about their Harmans, didn't you? Harman boasting is legendary by their owners. They are a good stove, though, and probably deserve their good reputation.

 

[moey]

Most pellet stoves are pretty reliable. Clean them and they will last. You only read about problems online. Very few people post the repairs they have not made. Year 4 for me replaced a couple gaskets.

 

[jslinger]

How will I know when I need new gaskets? Should it be done after a certain amount of time? Or are there symptoms to keep an eye out for?

 

[bags]

Running on automatic is a fallacy around here and I don't know of anybody that does. If you run on manual the flame will drop to a idle and the stove will still be contributing a little heat but the cost of idling is very low. The idea of off and on during winter is more of being able to rather then a good idea. I know different stoves advertise that their model can do it but why bother would be my question. One of the good things about pellet or multi fuel stoves is a steady source of heat. Off and on isn't a steady source of heat.

BINGO! F4 had a thread about this awhile back called Igniterphobia. I guess some people just like to worry and torment themselves.

 

[SKOAL MAN]

Oh, man... You had to ask them to talk about their Harmans, didn't you? Harman boasting is legendary by their owners. They are a good stove, though, and probably deserve their good reputation.

So true! Harmans are so reliable they put the Maytag repair man out of business!!

 

[bags]

Harman boasting is legendary by their owners. They are a good stove, though, and probably deserve their good reputation.

Some day everyone will figure it out. The OP has a fine running HARMAN stove so this is the topic here.

jslinger,
When door rope gaskets are due for replacement varies. It is recommended here every 5 years. They are cheap, easy, and simple to do. There is the dollar bill test you can research here and when you experience lazy burns or poor combustion it usually equates to worn out door gaskets. At 3 years old you have no worries and the rope gaskets likely last longer than 5 years anyway. It's more of a preventive maintenance type deal. Better to do them in the off season than to have a problem develop during the cold season when you rely on your stove for heat and proper operation.

 

[bags]

Mr. Maytag stays busy 24/7 tinkering with all the others. There are great quality stoves and there are over weight paper weights.

 

[Bank]

This is my 8th year with my Accentra. The only thing I have ever replaced is the door gasket every two years.. Same ignitor, fans, motors. I hope I haven't jinxed myself.. Very reliable,

Take care of it and it will take care of you!

 

[moey]

How will I know when I need new gaskets? Should it be done after a certain amount of time? Or are there symptoms to keep an eye out for?

Lousy burn. Most stoves have a gasket on the combustion fan a lot of folks clean the motor every year and you put a new gasket on. They are not expensive although I cant speak for a Harman. The door gasket you can run a lighter around it and youll see the flame wander in. If its doing it over a large area it would need replacing depends on how often you open the door as to how much it wears.

 

[Pete Zahria]

....They are a good stove, though, and probably deserve their good reputation.

P68 close to four grand, it better be a good stove..

 

[jim2074]

I have a Harman XXV one year old. Love the stove. Glass cracked and the distribution blower started squealing. The most important thing is to buy from a good reliable dealer. My dealer has provided amazing service. The dealer is up north in Sayner WI. If you have a good dealer and keep your stove clean you will be in good shape.

 

[GeHmTS]

I have a Harman XXV one year old. Love the stove. Glass cracked and the distribution blower started squealing.

How did the glass crack?

 

[jim2074]

Unit was a couple of weeks old. Dealer thought maybe the clamp that holds the glass may have been over tightened at the factory. I heard a pop one day and looked up and it was cracked along the lower portion of the glass.

 

[GeHmTS]

Ok thanks, I'm glad it wasn't due to the operation of the stove. But I would think they would calibrate the clamp to the glass. Did the dealer quickly resolve the glass and distribution blower problems?

 

[jim2074]

The dealer came out the next day both times. The first time he brought a new glass from one of the floor models. With the blower he pulled the unit and tried to lube the brass bushings to stop the squealing while he ordered the new blower. My dealer is the best. I am very lucky.