Lopi Freedom: Model year 2000

[Hawch]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum but have been doing a lot of homework on here looking for the right stove. I can't say enough about how helpful this forum has been, thank you. I have come across a Lopi Freedom model year 1999 or 2000 (purchased new in 2000) and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it, or how it differs from the newer models?

My home is ~1650sq ft, recently sealed and insulated, 1 story with attic finished in with a bedroom, and I am looking to do at least 75% of my heating with this stove. It does not currently have a blower. I know it will handle it as it is rate for 2000+sq ft, just curious if it might be too large. Everything I have read suggests going a little larger than you think you need, would this apply here? As for the blower: 1. How necessary do you think it will be? 2. Do I need to buy the manufacturer's specific blower for this model, quoted at $300 from a local dealer, or is there a generic blower that will work for less?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[MarkinNC]

Is it a Lopi Freedom Bay insert? That is all I could find when I googled Lopi Freedom. I can tell you I easily heat my 1600 SF with my stove and it has a 2.2 CF firebox (roughly 18 inches by 18 inches).

 

[woodsman416]

I have an older Lopi Freedom. My tag is gone so I really don'y know what year it is. The only differences I could find between my model and the brand new ones is :

1) New model has two rollers in the rear bottom to make sliding it into the fireplace easier.

2) New models have leveler bolts with access plugs in the inside floor near the rear.

3) New models have a different retaining system for the door glass. Mine has about ten screws that hold the inner frame to the door with the glass sandwiched in between.

Other than that they seem to be exactly the same. I have the factory blower fans and they work great. Not sure if an aftermarket would work as well. I'm sure this model will work fine for you.

 

[Hawch]

Yes it is an insert. I couldn't tell much of a difference in the newer vs older models either, these do not seem significant in the big picture, especially at the price.

When I go to take a look at the stove, what are some things I should look for in terms of damage or issues with the unit? I am planning to drive a couple of hours to pick this thing up, and want to be sure it is in good condition. The owner doesn't think he's burnt even a cord of wood with it in the past 8 years he has owned it, so I don't think it has been used very hard to this point.

 

[jaychino415]

Hi Hawch,

I recently picked up one myself, barely used. make sure to check for any warping on baffle and airtubes. also check for cracks in baffle and bricks. Good Luck.

 

[aansorge]

For an insert you will need a blower. Jay chino meant warped not wrapped.

 

[Hawch]

Hey thanks guys. This one was sold before I could get to it, so no longer a possibility. Bummed, thought this one was going to get me going.

 

[jaychino415]

[quoteexactlynsorge, post: 1572967, member: 18244"]For an insert you will need a blower. Jay chino meant warped not wrapped.[/quote]

For an insert you will need a blower. Jay chino meant warped not wrapped.

Yeah, exactly. stupid cell.

 

[jaychino415]

Hey thanks guys. This one was sold before I could get to it, so no longer a possibility. Bummed, thought this one was going to get me going.

Don't feel bummed. I waited, 2 years or so to find mine and missed out on 10+ chances. Just keep your eyes on Cl, a few will pop up. Keep a budget number in mind. it will be tempting to go over, but don't.

 

[luv2byte]

We have a lopi freedom insert, unknown what year but we bought the house 12yr ago. It's a bi-level 2400sq ft. Downstairs where insert is gets plenty warm, livingroom very warm, upstairs stays a comfortable temp. No part of the house has a chill, only cooler area is our sunroom only has a little chill with doors open the kitchen/livingroom area. We have a whole house filtration system that turns over the air in the house 8-10x/hr, so it helps push the warm to all areas, including closed rooms. We rarely run the blower on the stove, but will run a fan from sunroom entrance towards living room to help distribute air a bit more when it gets too warm in main area (living room/kitchen).