After looking around and reading here from this great resource I decided I liked the look and ability of the Hampton Hi300. I took extensive measurements of my existing open fireplace and brought them to the dealer to figure out what insert would fit and to make sure there wouldn't be an issue with the install. The salesman replied every time I asked for a block off plate "we always do a block off plate". I also told him that I was willing to pay extra to have insulation. He insisted it wasn't necessary here on LI due to the mild climate. Evidently it is common here not to visit the location prior to the install to see exactly what they are dealing with and I questioned that multiple times. I think the problem here on Long Island is that the stove and fireplace shops here mostly specialize in gas inserts, gas fireplaces and outdoor kitchens now days. I'm pretty sure they don't install wood inserts or stoves very often. They don't offer a great selection either so if you are set on a certain insert you pretty much are stuck with a certain dealer.
Install day was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. They showed up early 10 am and brought insulation so that was a good sign. They proceeded to do their thing and suddenly there was an issue and needed a different adapter due to the depth of my flue even though I had provided the dealer with all my fireplace measurements. So they left to get adapter. Of course that adapter didn't work so they left again to do a gas fireplace install in the next town. Then I get a phone call that an Uber driver is dropping off another part and they will be back later to finish the installation. The Uber driver dropped off an offset adapter (see picture). They returned at 4 pm and proceeded to continue the install. As they got closer to finishing the install I asked about the block off plate. They acted as if they had no idea what I was talking about. I told them that I didn't want them to finish the install without the block off plate so they were told to stop working.
I called the dealer numerous times and that only went to voice mail without a return call. Suddenly one of them appeared with a piece of sheet metal and proceeded to create the block off. This was such an ordeal. Hopefully the install was good enough. I am concerned about cleaning my flue with the offset adapter and wonder how I will find a chimney sweep here that will know how to deal with it.
So far the fire starts up very easy and there appears to be a good draft. I am fortunate to have a good source of seasoned firewood here. I use it on the weekends and holidays and have had a few fires so far between weather (too warm here) and work.
Install day was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. They showed up early 10 am and brought insulation so that was a good sign. They proceeded to do their thing and suddenly there was an issue and needed a different adapter due to the depth of my flue even though I had provided the dealer with all my fireplace measurements. So they left to get adapter. Of course that adapter didn't work so they left again to do a gas fireplace install in the next town. Then I get a phone call that an Uber driver is dropping off another part and they will be back later to finish the installation. The Uber driver dropped off an offset adapter (see picture). They returned at 4 pm and proceeded to continue the install. As they got closer to finishing the install I asked about the block off plate. They acted as if they had no idea what I was talking about. I told them that I didn't want them to finish the install without the block off plate so they were told to stop working.
I called the dealer numerous times and that only went to voice mail without a return call. Suddenly one of them appeared with a piece of sheet metal and proceeded to create the block off. This was such an ordeal. Hopefully the install was good enough. I am concerned about cleaning my flue with the offset adapter and wonder how I will find a chimney sweep here that will know how to deal with it.
So far the fire starts up very easy and there appears to be a good draft. I am fortunate to have a good source of seasoned firewood here. I use it on the weekends and holidays and have had a few fires so far between weather (too warm here) and work.
!! dont try it. LOL
