Lopi vs PE neo 2.5

[Kyle1227]

Hi all I have a 70’s ranch about 3k sq feet with 17 ft cathedral ceilings with 1-2 inches of foam on roof for insulation. I have a stone chimney approx 20ft in center of the house with arched opening for firebox and am looking to put in an insert for supplemental heat. I have 2 quotes one with solid flue liner that is a PE neo 2.5the second is a lopi large insert but they use a flexible flue liner. Cost is about the same after install, but as I understand it the lopi qualifies for tax credit and the PE will not. I prefer the contractor that does PE as I have worked with them in the past and are very fast to deal with any issues/service needed. My big question is whether the liner is a big deal, clearly solid is more expensive and likely better quality but should that be a deal breaker? Second are both these units good for my purposes? Third I asked the PE contractor who I prefer to install lopi for me so I could get the rebate and he said he can’t because he’s not a dealer for the product, is that a thing? Or he just doesn’t want to. I truly prefer the lopi product especially with cost savings and my wife would use it more because of green start option. TIA

 

[begreen]

The Lopi large hybrid is a good heater but it is flush and primarily an E/W loader. Will the Summit insert fit?

 

[Kyle1227]

Yes it would. It doesn’t quite meet the 75 hhv that I would prefer either though

 

[begreen]

Check out the Osburn 3500i insert for fit. It's got a big deep belly and they say it qualifies for the credit.

 

[Kyle1227]

Ok I will, any info on flue liner?

 

[begreen]

Put in the best liner that you can afford. I like rigid, as long as it's properly installed. In flex, there is a big difference in wall thicknesses that equate to lifespan of the liner. Lightweight liners are only .005 or .006" thick. A better medium-weight liner will have .010" thick walls. Heavyweight liners are .015" walled. In flex, go for a medium or heavyweight liner. For comparison, rigid liner is typically .024 thick or .029".

 

[Kyle1227]

Any thoughts on pe neo? I really prefer the dealer/ installer of that insert

 

[Midalake]

Put in the best liner that you can afford. I like rigid, as long as it's properly installed. In flex, there is a big difference in wall thicknesses that equate to lifespan of the liner. Lightweight liners are only .005 or .006" thick. A better medium-weight liner will have .010" thick walls. Heavyweight liners are .015" walled. In flex, go for a medium or heavyweight liner. For comparison, rigid liner is typically .024 thick or .029".

I do not mean to hijack the thread. But can you name names on who make quality liners, also the cost range from flexible to fixed? Just so I can keep a dealer quote honest. Thanks If you want to spin this off to a new thread, ok too.

 

[Kyle1227]

I’m interested in this as well, I have one bid at 3500 for stainless insulated. Second is 1250 but does not list type etc just says flex liner

 

[begreen]

Any thoughts on pe neo? I really prefer the dealer/ installer of that insert

It's a good reliable stove. Easy to use and an easy breather.