Newbie Looking for pellet stove insert

[Heisler0]

I have finally made my mind up to try a pellet stove insert but the more I look the more questions I come up with from what stove high price Harman or lower price home depot Englander. I don't need anything fancy just looking for something that works mainly I have a rancher and plan to put in basement fireplace so I can help heat entire house. Some input on different stoves and what to look for in a stove would be greatly appreciated. I think I will start here before the next question which is 30' of chimney do I line entire chimney or use short piece into liner? Insulated or not? than onto combustion air first is it necessary? than secondly what material should be run in liner I would have to take all the way to top. Anyways back to main question which inserts are worth it and which ones should I stay away from? I would also put it out there that I hesitate to ask retailers questions like this because there stove is usually always the best and sometimes they recommend what they know not necessarily what is the better option.

 

[Bioburner]

Welcome to the site. You put a lot of questions on the table. Season is cooling down and the site is heating up so hopefully with some effort on your part you will see the many options of going to pellets. Many others here have been the same road as you.

 

[fmsm]

Do it once and do it right. Go for a Harman on rails, the cage makes the installation and future maintenance the way to go. Line it all the way to the top AND run an outside air kit all the way up as well. Use 4" ss flex for the exhaust and fireproof insulation as a block off.

 

[Heisler0]

Thanks For the replies! On the outside air pipe what did you use for the pipe?

 

[fmsm]

2" aluminum.

 

[CBL]

Go for the double wall liner. The internal diameter is completely smooth so less ash sticks to the inside and it sweeps much easier. It's not much more than the single wall too.

I opted for a vented top cap and only ran the OAK piping past the block off plate so it can suck in outside air from the flue chase.

If you go with a Harman, their installations instructions are very clear and should answer just about all of your questions and outline approved installation options.

 

[Heisler0]

I was looking at that liner not much difference in cost. How about insulation for the liner yes or no?

 

[HoldenHeat]

I just got a P35i insert all installed for 4120

 

[CBL]

I was looking at that liner not much difference in cost. How about insulation for the liner yes or no?

Not needed as pellet stoves are forced draft appliances.