Newbie with a few questions

[thekid_1]

I found this forum about a week ago and it is great. I am new to pellet stoves and I have a few questions regarding stove selection and location. I have acquired most of my information from a friend who has a pellet stove and through this website.

· I am interested in an auto feed pellet stove for my 1900 square foot side hall colonial. I plan on direct venting the stove as there is no fireplace or free chimney. My research so far has led me to the Lopi Leyden. I like the Quadrafire Mount Vernon but I want a remote not a wall thermostat. I am also concerned that the Quadrefire is oversized for my house as they state a capacity of 2400 to 3800 square feet. I am just worrying about nothing? Are there any other stoves I should be considering?

· The most convenient place for install is on the back wall of bonus room behind the attached garage. I should note the stairwell is on that side of the house. I realize it is not the optimal location but I am wondering if this location will allow full or only partial heat the upstairs?

· Do most people make their own hearths with slate, ceramic tile, or something else? I did find the questions/answer about how to build which is very helpful.

Thank you!

 

[jchick]

I myself did a lot of searching and debated on three stoves. The Harman xxv, St Croix, and the Lopi Leyden. I ended up with the Lopi because of the price, looks, construction, and most of all the DEALER. I felt very comfortable with them and they spent over 2 hours answering questions for me(and yes they were busy). They worked with me on the price of the stove after bringing in other companies quotes and they did the install. I did however purchase pellets from another company because I felt they where over priced.
I did build my own pad. I used 2x6 to elevate the pad which I consturcted out of 2 sheets of 1/2 inch durarock. I used natural slate on top of the durarock and ran a piece of trim around the platform, then stained it to match the wood work.
I have only been able to run the stove once because of the weather so I cant give a review untill next year. I wish you luck with your purchase and if I could give any advice make sure the people you buy the stove from have a good reputation and back their product......jeff

 

[begreen]

It would help to know your locale. The Mt Vernon top btu ratings are at high setting. One doesn't need to run the stove on high all the time. Actually running it at a lower setting is preferable from a noise and consumption point of view.

 

[thekid_1]

Sorry, I just updated my profile. I am in the Albany, NY area which is upstate

 

[begreen]

The Mt. Vernon has the "capacity" to heat a larger home under more ideal conditions like milder climate and very well insulated. But in this case it sounds about the right size for this home and it will have the reserves for those really cold days.

 

[putnam]

Sorry, I just updated my profile. I am in the Albany, NY area which is upstate

I was looking at the MT Vernon but I am very concerned with the issues the sotves have been having. I think I am going to buy the Lopi Leydon now. I was wondering, which dealer in Albany did you use?

 

[jbick]

Hi Jeff,
Living in Rhode Island, we're reasonably close to the Plainville, MA area...did you happen to get your stove when you were living there, or did you get it in Albany? If it was in Plainville, we'd love to know the dealer, especially since you thought so highly of them!
We're just starting out on our "Pellet Stove search" and are finding the search a little bit daunting!
Thanks for your help!
Jessica

 

[putnam]

I bought the Lopi today. Found a very good dealer that spent a lot of time with us. Even before I walked through their door I decided against the MT Vernon. To many problems.

 

[thekid_1]

I dealer I could trust was very important to me.