Used VC Montpelier insert from c-list?

[woodgeek]

All,

I have been a recreational wood burner in a ~30 yo pre-EPA coal insert with no name-plate or emission info (that I bought with the house). It's hooked to an 8" direct connect (that I installed...it was a slammer) on a 25' tall clay-lined interior chimney from 1960. My estimates say it's running at an BTU eff of ~45%, no secondary combustion at all, 2 hour burn times. It might put out 20-25 kBTU/h if you stuff it every 3-4 hours. This is just enough for winter backup, as determined in last year's ice-storm.

The wife and I would like a 'flush mount' insert with an EPA rating, and don't want to drop $4-5k for a new unit with install. I am leaning towards trolling craigslist for used inserts, perhaps for a while, and doing a DIY liner kit. I figure I can do 6" no insulation, or a 5 or 5.5" with insulation. With the interior chimney in good shape, I am ambivalent which option is better.....I favor the no insulation b/c it will be easier to install, but on the other hand with the height, I don't think the downsize to 5.5 or 5 would be a real issue draft-wise.

Local craigslist shows a VC Montpelier Insert with Mead surround, 3 yo, for $1500, versus $2900 MSRP. Figure I would offer $1350 if I decide to pull the trigger. Never craigslisted before.

Looks like a 1.5 cu ft box, EPA rated, fragile refractory on the top, tendency to develop hairline cracks. Rated for ~20-25 kBTU/h sustained output, which is aok.

Any input about how to handle the flue OR the merits of buying a used Montpelier? I figure I could be done for ~$2k all in with the liner kit.

I am not worried about long-term durability....will still be a rec burner, but happier with longer burn times and less shame at smoking out the 2nd biggest metro on the East Coast.

 

[prezes13]

I think that 25' of 6" un insulated liner that's at least $500. I think insulated will be at least $350 more. Montpelier is a ver nice looking insert. I don't know anything about their performance or durability. There is some members here who have them try a search and see what they say.

 

[woodgeek]

Didn't see a lot of recent user reports....just that the BTU output is not too huge, and the bricks can crack.

I gather the bricks are non-standard sizes and have to be ordered from VC?

Looks like the mead surround is 1.5" too short for my opening....so I would have to build up my hearth underneath by 2". Other than that, very similar in dimension to the existing stove (whose ugly surround I took off years ago).

Looks like VC sells a 1" and 2" base trim extender.....anyone here use those?? Can't find any pics online or in the VC materials.

 

[prezes13]

I think the Georgian surround is the biggest one they have. I looked at that stove three years ago. There are members who have merimacks which a size bigger insert. Maybe they can help you more.

 

[begreen]

Your estimates are fairly close for an uninsulated chimney liner. Add the cost of a chimney cleaning if you need it done. Be sure it is very clean before lining. Lots of crud will have built up around the damper and behind it. VC blowers can tend to be noisy due to poor support. This can be worked around by putting some insulation board under them for support.

For the price I would consider getting a new insert instead. If might not be as fancy, but it should be more service free in the future and you are not inheriting someone else's problem. You can get new ~2 cu ft units for between $900 and $1200 that are good. Thinking the Englander 13NCi for example. but Century and Drolet are also options.

 

[begreen]

Another option:
(broken link removed to http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/hsd/4718606534.html) - looks new!

 

[woodgeek]

Points taken. I think the wife will insist on an attractive flush-mount. Rather, I think a flush mount at $2k is an easier sell than a non-flush mont at $1500. I had been looking at the Lopi Declaration and its clones, but blanching at the price.

The Montpellier is not large, but I think it the BTU output will match my needs....recreation, 1 warm room, helping my HP in a cold snap, backup heat on rare occasions, etc.

The unit I was looking at:
(broken link removed to http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/hsh/4701834876.html)
is only 3 seasons old. I would assume that I would inspect it for damage (warped ceiling, badly cracked refractories), and that I can haggle them down a little.

I've replaced blowers before....I can certainly tweak it for noise or upgrade it if I like.

The Georgian would just cover my fireplace opening, but that's not for sale....buying a new Georgian surround is $650, while the 2" riser spacer is ~$40.

 

[woodgeek]

And I was planning on a pro sweep when the fireplace is empty.

 

[begreen]

Flush stoves don't heat as well, especially during power outages. As a general rule the more the stove projects out into the room the better it will convect naturally without the blower running. I'd go for the Napoleon if the deal is real. It's a good looking stove and works well.