I guess I left that one hanging over the plate. I can totally understand a dealer protecting themselves, but I'm just looking for the safest and easiest solution for my situation.
I contacted Heatilator for their "interpretation" of the statement:
Question: I currently have a Heatilator A42C installed and I would like to install a wood burning insert into the A42C. The A42C label states the following, "DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT OR OTHER PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS PRODUCT". In order to clarify this statement for safety and support, does it mean that the insert has to state that it can be installed into a Heatilator A42C specifically OR does it mean that the insert must be specified for use in a zero-clearance fireplace in general?
Answer: It means the insert must specify Heatilator. I suggest contacting our sister company Quadrafire. (imagine that)
Looking at the Quadrafire manuals, I see the following: "This insert is listed to UL 1482 Standard and is approved for installation into listed factory-built zero clearance fireplaces listed to UL 127 conforming to the following specifications and instructions"
Since I did not find anything stating "Heatilator", I called Quadrafire to clear it up. After being on hold for quite some time with "Quadrafire", I get the Heatilator guy that I had previously emailed. He told me that any of the UL1482 quadrafire inserts rated for installation into a UL127 prefab could be used in my fireplace. Of course there is no documentation stating "approved for Heatilator" explicitly. So, I asked what about another manufacturer and he said that as long as their unit is UL1482 listed and approved for installation in a zero clearance fireplace then it should be fine as long as the local permitting office approves. I asked him if he could send me something stating that in writing but of course he dodged that and said that a dealer could contact their technical team for something. Problem is only the Hearth &Home; Technologies(Quadrafire, Heatilator, etc) dealers have their number and they won't give it out to anyone else.
Here is the terminology in the Kodiak manual:
● This appliance is tested to ULC-S627 Standard for Space Heaters for Use with Solid Fuel, ULC-S628
Standard for Fireplace Inserts, & UL 1482 Standard for Safety for Solid-Fuel Type Room Heaters.
● Both the 1200 & 1700 Fireplace Inserts are approved for installed into a zero-clearance fireplaces in the
U.S. In Canada refer to local building or fire officials for restrictions and installation inspection
I called the county permit office and they said the plan sounds good but I will need to of course apply for the permit and get final approval of the installation. I also called my insurance company and they said that as long as I have a permit and get the installation approved, then I'm good. I also intend to call Enviro to get their take(if I can find a number). After that, I think I'm good. I have actually thought about embedding an inexpensive k-type temp probe in the framing to monitor temps during the first few times using the insert for peace of mind.