Looking for a pellet insert

[mik_kane]

I am looking to get a used pellet insert but I am not sure what to get, I have a Harman P61 in the basement, but I would like to get a pellet stove for my fireplace. I am only heating 1000 sq ft of a raised ranch. I like the Harman because it is easy to clean, but I have seen some Quadfires and Breckwells for a good price but they were old and I am not sure how easy they are to clean. Should I be concerned about a stove that is 8-10 years old? And would an Accentra insert be to big for what I need? Just to add I have insulation between the ground level (basement) and the the living space which makes it tough to get the living space heated from the P61 that is in the basement, and I have no where to put the P61 in the living space.

Thanks

 

[mralias]

My CB1200i is about 6 years old and does about 1000 sq ft. I have had to replace the combustion and convection fan but as I understand it that is not uncommon on a stove 5 years or older. Oil monster has not been turned on all this winter on the two floors I heat with the Quad. Like Dexter loves to say "nothing burns like a Quad". I wish the hopper was bigger, but that is my only regret.

 

[DexterDay]

The Quadrafire line is a Solid choice. I would go with the Classic Bay 1200 instead of the smaller Santa Fe or Castile or the larger Mt. Vernon AE.

But if you like your Harman now and enjoy all the adjustments, then the Quad may not be for you. The Quad is only on/Off. Where the Harman P-35i or Accentra will have Lots of different options.

 

[fmsm]

check out a refurbed Englander, for around a thousand bucks you can get alot of bang for the buck...

 

[N.E S4]

I found a 2 year old P35i on craigslist for $1500.00. AMFM energy has reman englander for $1349.00 shipped.

I have a 25 PDVC in my basement on very cold days my living room is in the 70s, 2nd floor, 66, 3rd floor 64.

I pulled out all of the insulation from the basement ceiling, and have 2 grate with fans.

There's no reason why your P61 can't warm the upper floors.

 

[briansol]

FYI, grates in ceilings/floors are illegal in a LOT of building code areas. due check your town building code before cutting.

That said, i can't see why a p61 can't do it all for you. Maybe instead of getting a 2nd stove, cosnder spending some money on thermodynamics and delivery of the warmer air via fans, ducts, etc.

 

[mik_kane]

Thank you for your reply's. The ground level (basement) usually gets up to 83 degrees and the upper floor is usually 70 depending in the outside temp. I was thinking that I would use less pellets if I had a pellet insert for the upper level, went through 3 tons already. On really cold days I burn wood in the wood stove insert. I guess my problem is getting the heat from the basement to the upper level, like I said the ceiling is insulated between floors. Right now I keep the door open leading to the basement and have a fan blowing the heat up the stairs. I am not to keen on cutting holes in the hardwood floors to transfer heat. So I would like to get away from the wood insert and hauling wood to the upper level, yes I know I will still have to carry pellets upstairs but it's a lot cleaner than wood.

Thanks