I was planning on installing my stove myself but I have a building inspector who will not issue a permit due to my US Stove 6041 manual stating that "Your unit must be installed by a qualified installer, such as an NFI (National Fireplace Institute) Certified Specialist". I've been calling around for a "qualified installer" and so far I've been striking out (go figure, it's winter). Most companies will not do the install because the stove wasn't bought through them. Found one independent contractor but they are booked through February and haven't gotten back to me. Anybody have any independent installers based out of central MA that they could recommend?
Pellet Stove Installer Needed - Central MA
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tbear853
Feeling the Heat
I would argue that "Your unit must be installed by a qualified installer, such as an NFI (National Fireplace Institute) Certified Specialist" does not mean to the exclusion of any other "qualified installer". It's really just a cop out by the manufacturer anyway. My stove was installed by a full time squared away state trooper whom schooled himself on electrical wiring, supply and waste plumbing, carpentry, log home construction techniques, block work, roofing, etc ... and whom never became a certified specialist under NFI or other trade group, thus denying them income from a fee. There's a lot of money to be made "certifying" people. Not to bring politics in, but that is what it boils down to. Wish I could help .... stay warm.
Thanks for the response. I agree, it's a cop out and a money grab. I contacted US Stove and they said they don't recommend any of their pellet stoves be installed by a homeowner - which is just mind boggling. As long as it's installed to manufacturer specifications then there is no difference between me installing it and a "qualified installer".
These guys installed mine about 10 years ago. Did a good job. They’re in Brimfield. https://www.bryanspelletstove.com/
Thanks for the info. I contacted Bryan and Northborough is too far for him to send anyone out.
Heard back from one other company and they want $300 just for an inspection. It's just bad timing. Got the stove for free but still don't want to pay an absurd amount of money for a simple install. Would rather put that money into a new stove and install it myself. Gonna try to work with the building inspector and see if he can just let me do it. If not, I'll have a nicely rebuilt USSC 6041 for sale.
mtnbiker727
Feeling the Heat
The "professionals" who installed my stove were a couple of bumbling idiots (they were nice at least) who didn't use an appliance adapter and put screws through the double walled vent pipe at several of the connections. I battled smoke for months until I finally called Duravent and they sent me all new pipes, which I installed myself.
"qualified specialist" Is kind of a loose term. It is not like electrician or plumber where you have state license. If it installed to manufacture guideline and building code is most important. Most important part is being in regulation to the clearance to combustibles. With pellet appliances you are dealing with much lower flue temp. Typically not over about 375F? With a wood stove you can easily see double that.
UPDATE: I was able to get the permit. I think the most important thing in all this is insurance. The permit and passing inspection don't mean squat if an insurance company were to deny coverage (in the event of a fire) due to the ridiculous language in the USSC manual - even if I were to install the stove to manufacturer specs. After all, according to USSC, only a "qualified" or certified NFI installer can put one of their pellet stoves in. I'm a "plan for the worst-case scenario" kind of guy so I contacted my insurance and explained the whole situation. My agent double checked with the underwriter and got it in writing that I could do the install myself and not lose coverage in the event of a fire. Granted, I will have to provide a copy of the inspection. Hopefully this helps with anyone dealing with this sort of headache in the future.
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