Just got the new stove installed - Quad Mt. Vernon - and have some questions...

[PelletGirl]

So our stove was installed today - Quad Mt Vernon in Mahogany enamel (I think that's the color). It was a store display, only used sporadically for one year and a great deal. It's been running about three hours now and it's on high, trying to reach the temp set on the thermostat. It's in the mid-40's outside here and the house is definitely feeling warm but not hot (we have our oil turned off at the moment). When can we expect it to slow down? The blower on five is quite loud (louder than I thought it would be) but I know it won't always run that fast.

Other question is there is a smell - not sure what it is. Didn't think there would be one as it was run previously, but can the smell be coming from the venting? The silicone? Maybe odd pellets (the stove came with about a bagful in the hopper - don't know the brand)? It is an artificial smell - maybe plastic? Don't know if it's normal or if we should be checking something.

We weren't thrilled with the installer which is why I'm asking here- he wasn't much help. Photos soon to come!

 

[cavermedic]

We run our Mt Vernon on manual, Medium-low this time of year, Medium when it hits freezing, and then go to MH only when it gets a lot colder than this. I have never felt that the High setting cranks out significantly more heat than the Medium High - just eats a lot more pellets. I tried Auto when we first got it and hated it.

The biggest thing I had to get used to with the pellet stove was that it heats from the inside (a central fireplace) out, as opposed to oil which heats from the outside (outer walls) in. That means that you probably will not have a nice even heat throughout. When it drops below zero, we definitely feel the outer reaches getting cold. When the cold zone intrudes too much, I kick on the oil to warm the perimeter again. We also put up two of the little door corner fans and they definitely help circulate the heat through the kitchen and dining room.

 

[Lake Girl]

You might get more responses from Mt. Vernon owners if you add that to the thread title - edit option to change.
It may be the burn in smell. Even though it was a display and used, it may not have been burned at higher rates for any length of time. Open some windows to help get the smell gone...

What type of warranty did you get since it was a demo?

Was the installer an independent or an employee of the stove dealer?

 

[DMKNLD]

Welcome to the Quad club, PelletGirl. Many many quad owners on this forum to help you along your way. A mantra on this forum is 'if there's no pictures it didn't happen' so definitely post some pics of your no doubt beautiful enamel MV !

Is your pellet feed working correctly ? I forget that the MV's have the automatic pellet feed sensor system as my Quad model has a manual pellet feed gate adjustment. No separate air adjustment are available on Quads, which by design pull allot of air through the fire pot, assuming venting, door and fire pot seals integrity, and stove cleanliness are all up to speed.

Smells, as well as your lower heat output issues, could be from moisture / maybe mildew absorbed pellets left in your hopper. You may want to pull the old pellets out if you haven't burned them yet, just to get to the bottom of your hopper to make sure your auger isn't full of congealed sawdust and pellet fines. You may want to get a small mirror and a flashlight to shine up into the pellet chute from the fire box end to make sure the top end of the auger isn't partially obstructed with bridged or consolidated pellets, especially if the pellets that were left in there are longish (1" or more in avg length).

If your venting isn't taped on the outside at the vent junctions it could be smoke leakage, or the uncured silicone they might have used on the inside of the pipe, which should dissipate after the first few 'hot burns'. To check for smoke leakage turn the lights off in the room and use a flashlight to shine around the stove - vent connection as well as the pipe junctions to see if there are fine wisps of smoke leaking out when the pellets first start to ignite - when the stove produces the most amt of firebox smoke.

It is easy for foreign stuff to get inadvertently into the pellet hopper - pellet bag remnants, pellet mill production detritus (I found a chunk of a rubber and steal conveyor belt in one of my pellet bags once), so I closely watch as I'm dumping my pellets in *just in case*.

Though I would hope every business proprietor has the good intention to 'do their best, as they have it figured out', some business owners clearly have it figured out better than others. Unfortunately, your install experience seems to be the norm rather than the exception. Did your installer do a test burn to make sure everything was working OK before they left? Did they hit the high points of how to keep it clean? I'm guessing if you are having to troubleshoot your first burn via this forum, that they didn't. This is a great forum, but it shouldn't have to be a substitute for the dealer support you no doubt spent good money on for your stove and install. So be polite, but persistent in your reasonable request for troubleshooting support from your installer, while learning all you can about being an informed pellet burner.

All that said, read up all you can via your manual and how to videos. Here's a link to some great Quad produced how-to videos to supplement your stove manual. (broken link removed to http://www.quadrafire.com/Owner-Resources/Use-and-Care-Videos/Mt-Vernon-Pellet-Stove.aspx) . And using the forum search function in the upper right corner of the page, type in "Quadrafire Mount Vernon" or "Quad MV" and you will find dozens and dozens of posts to read up on about your stove operation and trouble shooting. You should include your stove brand and model in your title thread new topic postings as well so it catches the eye of other Quad and MV owners, who can often best help you.

For the steep learning curve process of pellet stove ownership and operation, your stove will no doubt become 'the cruel mistress' (or master in your case, I gather, from your Avatar log-in name), that it has for all of us when we first got our pellet stoves, and started on the long, sometimes frustrating, but also the self-sufficiently rewarding 'odyssey' of learning how to get your stove 'dialed in'. "It's the journey, not the destination". Happy burning, and post back if you have other comments or questions.

 

[RMongeau]

So our stove was installed today - Quad Mt Vernon in Mahogany enamel (I think that's the color). It was a store display, only used sporadically for one year and a great deal. It's been running about three hours now and it's on high, trying to reach the temp set on the thermostat. It's in the mid-40's outside here and the house is definitely feeling warm but not hot (we have our oil turned off at the moment). When can we expect it to slow down? The blower on five is quite loud (louder than I thought it would be) but I know it won't always run that fast.

Other question is there is a smell - not sure what it is. Didn't think there would be one as it was run previously, but can the smell be coming from the venting? The silicone? Maybe odd pellets (the stove came with about a bagful in the hopper - don't know the brand)? It is an artificial smell - maybe plastic? Don't know if it's normal or if we should be checking something.

We weren't thrilled with the installer which is why I'm asking here- he wasn't much help. Photos soon to come!

On automatic, mine doesn't run on high unless it's probably 10 deg below the thermostat setting.

 

[PelletGirl]

Thank you all for the responses - I have edited the title as suggested.

My installer did absolutely nothing but install - didn't even start it. We figured it out before he left but have been making adjustments and trying different things since. I will check with a flashlight for smoke but I'm starting to think it's the type of pellets. Unfortunately, my husband put a bag of Chow in already so I can't take the old out. I'll wait until we go through them and then check it. Our flame height appears to be good after some adjustments (it was set on 5 and way too high when we first started). We also changed the blower to quiet - we'll see if it moves the air around enough that way.

I think the installer is an independent that works for the store but not certain. We had so much trouble finding the stove we wanted at a reasonable price with a business we felt we could trust - never really found it all in one place so decided on this one. I should have checked out the installer situation myself - that's my fault. Luckily, my husband is handy and hopefully can work on any issues we have.

Still trying to get the photos to work - now my computer is giving me trouble. Just that kind of day I guess.

 

[kappel15]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Is this a free standing or an insert? You are doing right by making sure the flame is adjusted to specs. I am surprised you think the blower is loud as it is one of the quietest on the market. You will mostly be running this stove on manual setting. The 5 you talk about has nothing to do with the fan speed. That is run by what heat setting you have it on. The higher the heat setting, the faster the fan runs. Most folks run on manual medium high for high output heat. The smell could be anything, and depends on what style of stove, but I would keep an eye on things. . Hope you have years of enjoyment. Stay warm. kap

 

[hooter04]

I would run blower on normal at first to get temp where you want it.On normal it will put out more heat.

 

[LMPS]

Great stove, you will enjoy it greatly.
There are many things that can cause the stove to not reach the temp you are calling for, such as what temp you are calling for. If its real cold out and you are calling for it to be 80 in the house it will not reach temp or take a real long time to do so. The kind of pellets you are burning can also cause this, if they are real low BTU pellets they may not put out enough heat, your flame height adjustment also can cause this. If your flame height is set at -5 then you may not be feeding enough fuel thus starving the stove. The size of your house, position of the stove, and how well the house is insulated can all affect how well your stove heats the house. Also, the position of the thermostat to the stove could be an issue. If its too far from the stove then the stove is going to run on high longer as it is going to take long for the heat to reach the thermostat.

Running the stove on quiet means you have turned the blowers down which means the heat output will be less. If it was running on high for a long time before it this will not help.

Hope some of this helps. If you lay out specific steps or settings you have tried we might be able to be more specific with the advice.

 

[PelletGirl]

This is a free standing stove. We changed the blower to quiet (from normal) and I do notice a difference with the heat output but we're going to see if it works for us because I do like it quieter. The manual shows a quiet-normal setting but we don't seem to have that on our thermostat.

The flame was on 5, we just switched it to zero (my husband wanted it in the negative numbers but I thought that would be too low). Currently it is running on auto but I'm not sure if that's the most efficient way - we have each of the four temps set differently. Guess we'll have to see how it goes and how long the pellets last. Husband is happy because he's wearing shorts and so am I because I don't have to wear a jacket inside and the oil is not even on.

We haven't permanently installed the thermostat yet as we are trying to determine the best place to put it. Too far away seems to keep the stove running as it never reaches temp but I don't want it too close because it won't heat the rest of the house enough. As for pellets, don't know what brand is in there currently - my husband topped it off with a bag of Chow. Monday we get Greenway and Lignetics delivered. The current (free from the store pellets) seem a bit ashy to me but I don't really have anything to compare it to right now.

Tried to upload a photo - not sure if it worked.

 

[LMPS]

When its cold out the quiet setting will not work. Also setting it on quiet will make the stove run longer on a higher setting because the heat output will be less.

The lower the flame height adjustment the lower the feed rate the lower the heat output. As it gets colder and you need more heat the higher it will need to be. When its warmer out there is not an issue having it negative. Its a balance between how much heat you need and how cold out it is.

 

[kappel15]

The quiet or normal is what you changed isn't it? It should also have a high and low altitude setting as well. Your owners manual is your best friend. Make sure to read thru it a time or two, to get acquainted with your stove, and its settings. Make sure to read your manual on how to set the flame height for safety and efficiency. It also depends on what pellet setting you have it on for the pellets you are using. You can put the wall control most anywhere. I have mine only a few feet from the stove. I just have to set desired temp higher to get the desired heat in rest of room. kap

 

[LMPS]

It is best to leave the altitude setting alone unless it is not set correctly. Changing it will erase any fuel table updates that have been done.

 

[DMKNLD]

Tried to upload a photo - not sure if it worked.

It worked - your pic posted - enamel is beauteous! Can't see your stove plug-in end, but a surge protector is highly advised, even more-so if you live in a rural area prone to power surges, which can 'defibrillate' your sensitive (and expensive) control board slowly over time, or all at once if a nearby lightning strike picks off your house electronics. You get what you pay for in amt and degree of surge protection. Lots of prior posts on this issue.

OAK's - outside air kit - are good ! At least your installer recognized the importance and improved function of having an OAK.

Safety first ! Same room smoke and CO detectors are a must have. We had 5 college age kids killed this AM in a horrific student housing structure fire, some having to jump out the 2nd floor windows of their Portland Maine apt house, that had neither smoke nor CO detectors. Though pellet stoves have allot of built in fire safety features, a fire extinguisher nearby is your 'last stand' to possibly save your house from a potentially catastrophic hopper fire or other stove 'misadventure'. Understand that this is my 'rescue profession' side talking.

You will probably ditch your decorative firebox logs over time for ease of cleaning without it, while still getting the nice ambiance from your fire pot. You will need to put together a few other cleaning things over time - a stove 'clean out kit', dedicated ash vacuum, a vent brush to sweep your vent with, a leaf blower w/ suction capability to augment the deep cleaning of your stove, etc.

Start with the critical stove safety and occupant safety stuff first, then add the other items as you can. In my families first X-mas that we burned pellets we deferred spousal gifting for investing in pellet stove accouterments.

Lots to think of !! But, moving forward, a big part of the satisfaction as well.

Happy burning.

 

[Wilbur Feral]

The smell is limely the silicone sealant - should be gone in 24 hrs. Personally I would rather see a good install cure for 24 hours before stove is tested, but that's a personal opinion.

Also, I burn good quality hardwood pellets, leave the MVAE in Quiet mode at all times, and just run it on Automatic. Turn up tstat a degree or two more than really desired, though, as in Auto stove will back off to low about 1 - 1.5 degrees prior to teaching set temp. I find this is just easiest, and stove runs well in "set it and forget it" way except for refilling and weekly regular, monthly more significant cleaning.

 

[PelletGirl]

I actually told him I wanted an OAK - he said he doesn't usually do them.

We have the stove on a surge protector and there are CO and smoke detectors in the room already. We also have a fire extinguisher nearby (my husband is very safety conscious).

I don't think we changed the altitude setting at all - just the temp, flame height, quiet mode hardwood for the type of pellet. I hope it works on quiet because I do find normal to be quite a bit louder and really prefer it to make the least amount of noise possible. Of course, we'll have to watch how fast it eats pellets as I need it to be efficient as well.

You guys are great! Thank you for all this useful information. I'm sure we'll find what works for us with some trial and error.

 

[DMKNLD]

I actually told him I wanted an OAK - he said he doesn't usually do them.

We have the stove on a surge protector and there are CO and smoke detectors in the room already. We also have a fire extinguisher nearby (my husband is very safety conscious).

You are well ahead of the 'pellet power knowledge curve' already, certainly much farther along than I was into my 2nd or 3rd season of pellet stove flailing burning, before I found this forum and 'got religion'.

Clearly you did some pre-purchase research before deciding on your MV, and insisting on an OAK install. Good on you, 'as being right doesn't always make it any easier'. "You have chosen wisely, grass hopper(ette)"

Your comment, "I'm sure we'll find what works for us with some trial and error." is spot on.

 

[Wilbur Feral]

I actually told him I wanted an OAK - he said he doesn't usually do them.

A smart stove owner who is willing to learn about their stove and how it works with their overall home can quickly surpass the knowledge level of many dealers. You may find that you do a better job with your stove / vent cleanings as well. You're off to a good start just by insisting on having a proper, efficient source of combustion air.

 

[PelletGirl]

The store owner actually offered me a job - twice - said I know more than his employees. I got most of the info here from all you smart people.

Just bought a few bags of AWF at Lowe's to try - not sure if they're good for my stove but we shall see.

 

[BigJohnfromCT]

This is our fourth season with the MVAE and we love it. I really haven't found a pellet the the stove won't burn. It seems to be only a matter of heat output and how often I have to clean it. I really lean towards Hamer's Hot Ones. Not the cheapest but burn hot and allows me to run about 14 bags through it before cleaning.

I usually run in auto mode until it gets really cold then switch to manual and medium-high. As the house is a little to big for the stove it it run 24/7 until it needs to be cleaned.

May I also extend my "welcome" to the forum.

 

[BigJohnfromCT]

Forgot to mention. I run mine on normal vs. quiet mode. Also for some reason when starting up from being cold, one of fans begins to resonate and makes quite a racket for about a minute then all is quiet. Haven't had the time or inclination to troubleshoot it yet but it's on my list. Might also be some kind of harmonic set up between the combustion and convection fans.

 

[kappel15]

If it does it on start up, it is the comb. fan. May need cleaning. But it sounds like it is coming from the firepot? Sometimes when you get just the "wrong"amount of air/ fuel mixture, it can sound like a freight train. Usually caused by too much fuel. kap

 

[SkippyMac]

Like most, I agree that the smell is probably from the silicone. I also get some odor after it has been serviced. Sometimes it take a couple good burns until that funky smell dissipates. I always try to have my first couple burns of the season at a time that I really don't need all the heat. I pick a day that I can monitor it while opening a couple windows, so the smell isn't so obnoxious.
As far as the burn times, I also leave my stove on Auto for the most part, until the temps get closer to freezing. I notice that over the past week, the stove will maintain on low for longer time, but but burn less pellets. If I were to boost the rate up it does heat up faster, but at the expense of eating more pellets. I also notice that in higher rates it will then go through many more start-up/shutdown cycles as it reaches hold temp faster. I'm sure in the long term this would cause additional wear, electric use and igniter wear due to the ignition cycles, and pauses in the heating. Until it gets colder, I'd leave it go... Although playing with it is a great way to learn about the unit.
Keep in mind that any stove will make noise. The low volume of this stove, even on higher levels is much better that most other stoves. My family and friends have several other models (Quad & Harman), and everyone always comments how quiet our stove is. It's kinda like getting used to a coo-coo clock in your home for the first couple days or living near a street... After awhile you barely notice the noise and have to look to see if it's running. I just picked up a Heatilator PS50 this weekend for the basement. Guy I bought it from commented how quiet that one was. When I started it up in my basement, I thought I had a chainsaw, compared to my Mt. Vernon upstairs... So it's kinda relative. Overall, I'm very pleased with mine. We burn it almost 24/7 with very little effort all season. This is now our primary heat. Our 3000+ home (very open design; upstairs & down), stays about 75 degrees all winter (upstairs usually warmer, but the ceiling fan helps). Outlaying rooms are a bit cooler, its just a matter of getting the heat to those rooms. But all in all, our electric bills used to be about $800 plus in the coldest months of Dec/Jan/Feb (even before the higher electric rates the past year or so), and our thermostat was only ever set at 68 degrees. Now with the higher temps, the real WARM feel compared to the drafty old electric heat pump, our electric bills are down to about $150 during the same time. Overall, I'm sure you are gonna love the stove... JUST KEEP IT CLEAN Best advice I got on this site, and true for all stoves.
Good luck

 

[PelletGirl]

Thank you everyone. I'm now basically noticing an odor when it first lights up and then it goes away - normal maybe?

And those with larger homes (2000 sq ft +) - how many bags do you go through per day in this weather (we are low 40's and have the stove set at 75 during the day, 68 at night)? Just trying to figure if ours is using too much or about right. We gave it a cleaning and put in one bag today about 1:30PM - going to see how long it lasts.

 

[Lake Girl]

Keep an eye (or nose) on the odor when it first lights up. If you still get that in a couple of days, you may want to investigate further. May have a minor leak of exhaust somewhere... keep us posted.