Hi. I'm new to this forum and had a VC Mont. insert recently installed. We really like the look of the unit but aren't too impressed with the performance so far. I'm hoping someone with more experience can help me.
Actually, this is the 2nd insert because the first one had a defective blower and did not draft well. After several visits and much consultation, the dealer decided to replace it.
Some background: We live in southeasterm MA. Our house has 2 stories, 2,000 sq. ft. living area with a central chimney provided with a full length, stainless steel liner. The insert is on the first floor. One of the dealer's tech. reps. evaluated my fire building skills and said they are good. He also did a moisture test on the wood supply and it is within acceptable limits (12-18% moisture content).
My questions:
1) The blower hums, rattles and buzzes. Is this normal? It sounds like it has a bad bearing to me.
2) The airflow path for the forced air convection is fairly obvious. Does anyone know how the combustion air and secondary air work? The dealer doesn't seem to be able to explain it (at least in a way that makes sense to me) nor provide an airflow diagram. I contacted VC but received no response.
3) The owner's manual states that the face of the fireplace opening should be sealed from the room. It's a code issue. The dealer says they never do that. If it's sealed, how does the combustion air get in?
4) I've not yet seen any blue flames from the secondary combustion tubes. How hot of a fire is needed?
5) I don't have a thermometer but may need to get one. Any recommendations?
6) There is no insulated block off plate at the damper area. Should the dealer have installed one? It seems like that would help with the blue flame issue.
I hope I'll be more satisfied with this unit with any advice anyone can provide and with more experience on my part. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Actually, this is the 2nd insert because the first one had a defective blower and did not draft well. After several visits and much consultation, the dealer decided to replace it.
Some background: We live in southeasterm MA. Our house has 2 stories, 2,000 sq. ft. living area with a central chimney provided with a full length, stainless steel liner. The insert is on the first floor. One of the dealer's tech. reps. evaluated my fire building skills and said they are good. He also did a moisture test on the wood supply and it is within acceptable limits (12-18% moisture content).
My questions:
1) The blower hums, rattles and buzzes. Is this normal? It sounds like it has a bad bearing to me.
2) The airflow path for the forced air convection is fairly obvious. Does anyone know how the combustion air and secondary air work? The dealer doesn't seem to be able to explain it (at least in a way that makes sense to me) nor provide an airflow diagram. I contacted VC but received no response.
3) The owner's manual states that the face of the fireplace opening should be sealed from the room. It's a code issue. The dealer says they never do that. If it's sealed, how does the combustion air get in?
4) I've not yet seen any blue flames from the secondary combustion tubes. How hot of a fire is needed?
5) I don't have a thermometer but may need to get one. Any recommendations?
6) There is no insulated block off plate at the damper area. Should the dealer have installed one? It seems like that would help with the blue flame issue.
I hope I'll be more satisfied with this unit with any advice anyone can provide and with more experience on my part. Thanks for taking the time to read this.