I appreciate all the knowledge on this forum, so decided to post my dilemma. Last spring I lost my chimney cap in a wind storm. Called a local chimney sweeper who did a cleaning and inspection. They came up with a laundry list of recommended repairs,saying I had cracked tiles, moisture problems,showed me pictures on his phone( who knows could have been someone else's chimney). the next night this same sweep company was on our local news about sweeper scams. I called in another company after checking references. Now the problem: VC Large winter warmer installed 5 hrs ago from the retailer we purchased it from has a 6inch stainless steel liner extending only half way up the chimney. When I asked the sweep owner for a price on a cap and a liner after his inspection, he said he would not feel comfortable installing a cap because a partial liner makes a flue unserviceable. He also has concerns with giving a quote on a full stainless liner because an 8 inch liner would be required for this particular insert and it simply won't fit inside the flue that we are currently using to vent the insert. In order for an 8 inch to fit, they would have to break out the inside of the chimney which would be labor intensive. Also the heating flue is in the same chimney as insert flue and breaking down the inside of the chimney would likely damage that and would also need to be replaced($$$). I am getting very worried about this because not only does my stove not run as efficiently as it could with a full stainless steel liner, nor was it installed correctly, but in order to be properly cleaned, the winter warmer needs to be removed from fireplace. I have yet to find anyone to do that so really I have been getting a sub par cleaning all these years. After five years this is the first chimney sweep company that has told me there is a problem and I am inclined to believe him. Any words of advice would be much appreciated!
VC Large Winterwarmer liner concerns
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Without seeing your install, I won't comment on all of his suggestions,
but he is correct when he tells you the Large Winterwarm requires an 8" liner...
I've ALWAYS been a fan of the COMPLETE liner system, as well, for both
drafting & cleaning reasons...
but he is correct when he tells you the Large Winterwarm requires an 8" liner...
I've ALWAYS been a fan of the COMPLETE liner system, as well, for both
drafting & cleaning reasons...
I would have a CSIA certified chimney sweep come and clean the chimney, then install a proper 8" liner and connect the Winterwarm. Your stove will run much better and safer.
That's the problem. The certified chimney sweeper said an 8 inch won't simply fit without breaking out the inside of the chimney.
Sometimes that is necessary. Do you know what the size of your flue tile is? I'm wondering if you could do this job with Duraliner. They make an oval version of this product.
Not too sure size of flue tile. House built in 1988, raised cape style if that matters. Not sure if I have a leg to stand on with fireplace store since it's been 5 yrs. Too bad I wasn't educated before purchasing.
There a couple choices. Look at the sweep's receipt or call and ask them what is the size of the chimney tiles. I would expect at least 8x12 for a fireplace. If so, this can be done with an oval liner. Or, the Winterwarm could be sold and replaced with a new insert that takes a 6" flue liner.
jatoxico
Minister of Fire
Sounds expensive enough by the time you break out the old tile to install 8" liner that you might be better off putting that money towards a more appropriate setup. The added expense put towards a stove that uses a 6" installed right will be a pleasure to live with compared to your current situation and resale of the old stove might go well this time of year. My neighbor just sold his 5 y/o Castine for $100 dollars less than he paid for it.
If others here are right that there are liners that will fit then your choice is easier.
If others here are right that there are liners that will fit then your choice is easier.
I've been servicing V.C. products for 23 years and the ONLY thing I'll no longer work on is the Winter Warm. They are overly complex anmd just don't stay fixed after I've worked on them
. Replacing the unit will save you further headaches down the road. By the way, have ANY of these sweeps had a look at the catalyst or other internals? And do you live anywhere near the ocean? My experience is that these guys just LOVE to rust, and the humid salt air of coastal News England really can do it to them especially if you have moisture issues inside the chimney.
Almost ANY other unit would be an improvement.
. Replacing the unit will save you further headaches down the road. By the way, have ANY of these sweeps had a look at the catalyst or other internals? And do you live anywhere near the ocean? My experience is that these guys just LOVE to rust, and the humid salt air of coastal News England really can do it to them especially if you have moisture issues inside the chimney.
Almost ANY other unit would be an improvement.
Ugh!! Not good news I guess about the winter warmer. I guess the big question is with this setup, could this be a fire hazard, or do we just run it as is with less efficiency since it doesn't have a full liner? Have any ofyou heard of a chimney sweep company removing the unit to clean it? I know the company who came out to inspect it wouldn't touch it.
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