1) If I already took advantage of tax credits a couple years ago for insulation, can I still claim the $300?
2) How important is the ash pan? What is the consensus? Change the looks too much? Not that helpful, etc?
3) Do you guys like the black or the charcoal? (I know...subjective)
4) Should I make any specific request regarding the stone...if I buy new? (some looks too blue) My hearth is red, charcoal....earthy.
5) Are there any other accessories I need to get? Especially from Woodstock?
1) Think so, but just check on line at tax website.
2) Depends. I think there is a possibility that if you are one of the rare folks with either an excessively strong or excessively poor draft, it may help prevent fly ash getting pulled into the cat, a problem only a handful of owners seem to have had. It certainly does change the look, in my opinion. It also requires the long legs, which I prefer anyway: think they look more in proportion for the stove, gets the firebox and view up higher, more in line of sight, and gets the heat thrown out the glass a bit higher. Don't have one, so don't know how "helpful" theya re , as I certainly don't find cleaning the ashes out of the firebox a difficulty. However, folks who have them love them a swear by them, not necessarily a common occurrance with ashpans. Well designed.
3) I have and love the light gray. Had it with the Fireview too. Painted the pipe to match (got ICC Pipe). The install is elegant. I had a hard time with the Fireview deciding between blue nad light gray, but had no problem years later when I replaced it with the PH. Love the light gray.
4) Each color iron makes the soapstone look a different color. You can request specific stone, but I don't think the color will vary much: rather, the pattern in the stone. Different pattern ahs different qualities, and you can talk with Woodstock about them. If you don't go to the factory to look, they will e-mail you photos of samples and let you pick the type of stone you want. The stone looks quite blue when installed in a blue cast stove. In a light gray cast, it looks the same color as the cast...light gray. Personally I think that would be beautiful with red. The Charcoal provides a sharp contrast and looks quite nice and complements may installs. A matter of taste. I think there are lots of install photos available at Woodstock website.
6) Can of paint to match your stove for pipe touchup after annual cleaning. I recommend the rake as well. Handy tool.
Not rereading for proof, so forgive any typos.
Good luck, and have fun.