In dire need of a stove installer/servicer/seller in my area!

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zephyr0512

New Member
Dec 29, 2020
56
Pensacola FL
My project of taking out the fireplace and installing a free standing wood stove has become a MAJOR drama challenge. Here in Pensacola Fl, it has become a challenge just to find a “Hearth” person, one who is able to sell/install/service stoves. Contractor’s who can do stove installs here are SCARCE, well, at least responsible ones, those who will communicate, are knowledgeable, and SHOW UP! let alone licensed and insured!

I can not find a Lopi dealer within a days drive, and if I do find one, and there is one about a five hour drive away, and send them numerous emails, call them, they do NOT respond. I’ve been to three Lopi dealers here in the Sacramento, CA area and they will not sell to me, because they say I need to find one in Pensacola. Yet, even they can’t find a dealer there when they look for one. They say that they are not allowed to sell outside of their “vendor” area. One dealer said he would sell me one but he wanted $5800 for an Evergreen, with no gurantee warranty or service because I would take it to FL. WOW! He said “it’s not just about selling you a stove, it’s about being able to install and service it, because WE make more money on the install than we do on the stove.” He said that Lopi only pays them a small margin of profit, and the warranty service cal is only $45.00. Hm?

I found a PE dealer and touched base with him, requested a quote, but he has yet to follow through. I found a Chimney Sweep Co Network, Doodle Bugger’s, but they don’t answer, won’t respond to calls or emails from me or my contractor.

I have emailed and called over thirty, 30! so called Hearth/Fireplace/stove business within a days drive from Pensacola, FL, and only one business has tried to help but they don’t do free standing stoves, and they don’t know anyone who does. WHAT! How does anyone here get stoves installed?????

I am stressed about this. I would have never guessed this redo would be so comp0licated, which it isn't really. It’s the industry in this area that is in my opinion…LAZY!

Anyone who might know a dealer who is willing to sell, install and service, please let me know.

Thank you!
 
zephyr0512 said:
My project of taking out the fireplace and installing a free standing wood stove has become a MAJOR drama challenge. Here in Pensacola Fl, it has become a challenge just to find a “Hearth” person, one who is able to sell/install/service stoves. Contractor’s who can do stove installs here are SCARCE, well, at least responsible ones, those who will communicate, are knowledgeable, and SHOW UP! let alone licensed and insured!

I can not find a Lopi dealer within a days drive, and if I do find one, and there is one about a five hour drive away, and send them numerous emails, call them, they do NOT respond. I’ve been to three Lopi dealers here in the Sacramento, CA area and they will not sell to me, because they say I need to find one in Pensacola. Yet, even they can’t find a dealer there when they look for one. They say that they are not allowed to sell outside of their “vendor” area. One dealer said he would sell me one but he wanted $5800 for an Evergreen, with no gurantee warranty or service because I would take it to FL. WOW! He said “it’s not just about selling you a stove, it’s about being able to install and service it, because WE make more money on the install than we do on the stove.” He said that Lopi only pays them a small margin of profit, and the warranty service cal is only $45.00. Hm?

I found a PE dealer and touched base with him, requested a quote, but he has yet to follow through. I found a Chimney Sweep Co Network, Doodle Bugger’s, but they don’t answer, won’t respond to calls or emails from me or my contractor.

I have emailed and called over thirty, 30! so called Hearth/Fireplace/stove business within a days drive from Pensacola, FL, and only one business has tried to help but they don’t do free standing stoves, and they don’t know anyone who does. WHAT! How does anyone here get stoves installed?????

I am stressed about this. I would have never guessed this redo would be so comp0licated, which it isn't really. It’s the industry in this area that is in my opinion…LAZY!

Anyone who might know a dealer who is willing to sell, install and service, please let me know.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Have you checked the csia website? Or for regional or state guilds of sweeps?

I know there are some sweeps in Florida but the demand going to be very low on your market. So there are t going to be many
 
bholler said:
Have you checked the csia website? Or for regional or state guilds of sweeps?

I know there are some sweeps in Florida but the demand going to be very low on your market. So there are t going to be many
Click to expand...
Yes. The same non-resposive company from the NFI site that I called.
 
Ashful said:
Oh geez, a stove installer in Pensacola? I wonder how Rickles or Foxx would answer that:

"Like a bikini store in Antarctica"
"Like a snowplow in Panama"
"Like a basement laundry in your penthouse"

... anyone?
Click to expand...
It gets freezing cold here. It got down to 2-F last week. People here use fireplaces and stoves. There are a LOT of lazy people here!
 
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You could always buy a wood burning stove off of Amazon, there's a couple decent ones for sale and have your contractor install it?
 
PAbeech said:
You could always buy a wood burning stove off of Amazon, there's a couple decent ones for sale and have your contractor install it?
Click to expand...
Jonathan, my contractor is a fully credentialed and insured remodeler/builder, but not in the specialty areas, like HVAC, plumbing, and fireplace/stove piping. Like most contractor’s, these areas are left to the “specialists” to do for purposes of safety and liability. He has searched the entire area, and is still searching, for a company to do the piping, cap and final install, but those who “claim” to be in this service area are either not licensed, not capable of anything more than installing gas logs, or they just don’t respond or follow through.

Jonathan knows how to build the chase, do all the framing, build the areas to beyond standards, but he, WE, want a licensed, certified person to do the ceiling support, all the class A flue and interior flue and stove install, so everything is properly approved by the county and state, and the insurance company is happy, which are big deals.
 
zephyr0512 said:
It gets freezing cold here. It got down to 2-F last week. People here use fireplaces and stoves. There are a LOT of lazy people here!
Click to expand...
Sorry to have some fun at your expense, but that's a huge surprise. Most of the country looks at Pensacola as a place to go for Spring Break, bikinis on the beach in March and April!
 
Ashful said:
Sorry to have some fun at your expense, but that's a huge surprise. Most of the country looks at Pensacola as a place to go for Spring Break, bikinis on the beach in March and April!
Click to expand...
Yes, they do, and many come here, play, and wear us out, disrespect our homes and lives, then leave. Some of them stay, and they try and change our way of life, want us to adapt to them, their culture. The behavior is not liked. Tourism. All that said to say, no appologizes necessary, We’re use to it.

I will find someone eventually.
 
armanidog said:
Did you try these folks?

www.facebook.com

The Wood Stove and Fireplace Center | Gainesville FL

The Wood Stove and Fireplace Center, Gainesville, Florida. 619 likes · 1 talking about this · 3 were here. Family owned and operated since 1975. Expert knowledge. Wood, Gas & Electric Fireplaces and...
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...
Too far away. I really hoping that some of these business’ are just still on vacation, and haven’t checked their messages.
 
zephyr0512 said:
There are a LOT of lazy people here!
Click to expand...
The work ethic in Florida is remarkable/amazing/unbelievable. Further S. in the Keys is even more interesting. Better off DIY when possible. Otherwise, you will continually pull your hair out while shaking your head in wonder.

Unless your ordering cold bev's with overpriced generic tourist grade chow;lol
 
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zephyr0512 said:
Yes, called them, emailed them; they have three offices and I called and emailed all of them, and so did my contractor. They do not respond.
Click to expand...
Maybe go to the store when it's open?
 
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moresnow said:
The work ethic in Florida is remarkable/amazing/unbelievable. Further S. in the Keys is even more interesting. Better off DIY when possible. Otherwise, you will continually pull your hair out while shaking your head in wonder.

Unless your ordering cold bev's with overpriced generic tourist grade chow;lol
Click to expand...
I’m not so sure there any ANY ethical standards in work, in Florida… and a few other abutting states.
 
OK. FINALLY got two responses! YAY!!!!!

One says, “we can do the job, BUT you have to buy the stove and all related parts through us. Sorry we do not deal with Lopi, PE, Regency, Kuma, Blaze King, SBI, or this, that, etc…. We do deal with Osburn and Jotul.” So they limit my choices, and are very expensive.

2nd Co… Says, “ Yes. I can do everything you need, in the stages you need. You can buy your own stove, and here’s where to check…Woodland Dircet, Fireplace Direct, Northern Tool, and even Amazon, for a stove.” I’m starting with this Company, needless to say.

Are these above mentioned distributors good sources, anyone know? Can I buy direct from places like PE, Lopi, Regency?

Thanks!
 
zephyr0512 said:
OK. FINALLY got two responses! YAY!!!!!

One says, “we can do the job, BUT you have to buy the stove and all related parts through us. Sorry we do not deal with Lopi, PE, Regency, Kuma, Blaze King, SBI, or this, that, etc…. We do deal with Osburn and Jotul.” So they limit my choices, and are very expensive.

2nd Co… Says, “ Yes. I can do everything you need, in the stages you need. You can buy your own stove, and here’s where to check…Woodland Dircet, Fireplace Direct, Northern Tool, and even Amazon, for a stove.” I’m starting with this Company, needless to say.

Are these above mentioned distributors good sources, anyone know? Can I buy direct from places like PE, Lopi, Regency?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I thought Osburn was owned by SBI?
 
Has the old insert been removed so that you know what will fit?
My recommendation is to buy a Drolet direct from Drolet, no middlemen and the best option for customer service. Drolet is a lower cost version of the Osburn with less features.

Previous thread:

What size stove? My head is spinning, so many things to consider...regional weather, size of home, etc.

I’ve been searching and reading and searching and reading till my head is about to explode. I know, from what I’ve read, that some here can’t stand long posts. So, sorry in advance. I guess I’ll get the message based on the reponses I get. LOL. It’s about size and if I should go cast or steel...
www.hearth.com www.hearth.com
 
begreen said:
Has the old insert been removed so that you know what will fit?
My recommendation is to buy a Drolet direct from Drolet, no middlemen and the best option for customer service. Drolet is a lower cost version of the Osburn with less features.

Pervious thread:

What size stove? My head is spinning, so many things to consider...regional weather, size of home, etc.

I’ve been searching and reading and searching and reading till my head is about to explode. I know, from what I’ve read, that some here can’t stand long posts. So, sorry in advance. I guess I’ll get the message based on the reponses I get. LOL. It’s about size and if I should go cast or steel...
www.hearth.com www.hearth.com
Click to expand...
In the beginning, you recommended PE Alderlea T5 and Lopi, which I now like the T5. I have not checked Drolet.
 
zephyr0512 said:
In the beginning, you recommended PE Alderlea T5 and Lopi, which I now like the T5. I have not checked Drolet.
Click to expand...
Pacific Energy and Lopi are going to be the same price range as osburn. And dealer only as well
 
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