Need some help with Pellet Insert Decisions (Country Winslow PI-40)

[skypager]

Put it this way... I would do it in my own house but would be wary of putting it in a customers house, only due to the code reasons and associated liability. I'm hesitant to tell somebody "yeah, go head and due it" when a code official could easily choose to fail it. Once again, common sense would say no problem, but codes officials must go, literarilly, by the book. (Not saying codes officials have no common sense, only that they are limited in their power to approve something that is not listed.)

On the common sense side -- Alot of the pellet inserts are acceptable to be used as zero clearance units (built into framing). The hoppers are always in the fireplace so, obviously, not much heat there either. As Craig said, bricks or some other noncombustable material can support the front of the unit.

 

[3nickles]

Anybody have any feedback on Lopi/Avalon stove by Travis Industries. I found one dealer near me that carries that line and I see that the AVALON unit puts out about 45K BTUs. Man that would be nice to get that kind of heat for my 2800 Sq feet! Depth required is 20" and I think I could swing that if I take screen hanger out like Josh mentioned a few posts ago.

I wonder if this stove stacks up to the Harman or Country in terms of dependability and ease of use-lack of cleaning?

 

[3nickles]

bump

 

[skypager]

Since no one seems to have an opinion of them I'll share what I can. The only personal experience I have with them was a friend of my brothers purchased one a few years ago. It is a freestanding unit that he is using to heat a very large sun room (something like 20' high ceilings and 30' X 15') and the attatched living room that was accessed through many sliding glass doors. He had asked me to stop by and check out it out when he installed it and make sure it was burning right and to have a beer. It looked great and what a huge hopper! With just a quick look over it seemed to be a well built unit. I haven't talked to him personally but I understand its still working well for him and he's happy with its ability.

Avalon is part of the Travis Industries group who also make Fireplace Xtrodinair and Lopi group, which are good quality and reputable.

Edit - that's weird. When you type (by fifteen foot) in its short numerical form it comes up as - X 15')

 

[begreen]

Our neighbors have an Avalon insert and have been happy with it. It puts out a fair amount of heat and has had no issues over the past 5 years.

 

[3nickles]

Ooh!

BeGreen. Can you check to see if it's the Avalan Astoria? I'd love to have first hand feeback from an owner on this unit. I have a brochure and the looks etc appeal to me. The only thing I've heard negative so far is that it requires frequent glass/burnpot cleanings and has a small ash drawer. I guess I can live with tradeoffs as long as everthing else is good; dependable motors, no auger or burning problems, etc

Could you ask them a few questions for me? I'm also wondering if they are using the wired wall themostat or the remote. I'd love a remote but not sure how well they work. One last question. Could they give me a ballpark on the cost of the unit back then?

 

[3nickles]

Well I pulled the trigger and ordered the Country Winslow PI-40. I think I got a good deal. Stove + logset + remote control + full installation for just under 4,000. Supposed to be installed by Nov 15th. I can't wait!

Now I have to decide on which pellets to buy. Said they carried Marth at about 3.70 a bag and the higher quality pellets for around 4.33 and up

Also said the Marth hardwood is on the bottom quality, Pine is medium quality and Douglas Fir pellets are the high end Premium Quality (Bear Mountain and Goldenfire if I remember correctly). Does this information sound about right and which pellets should I order? Will I be fine if I just go with the MARTH hardwood pellets?

 

[begreen]

Whew, way to go. Goldenfire should be good. Check around for all the options in your area.

 

[3nickles]

Dumb question BeGreen. I have very few dealers for pellet stoves around me and the place I bought from is in the next state. How would I go about finding pellet supply locally? I went to Goldenfires' home page but I didn't see a dealer directory?

 

[begreen]

I never bought from the stove dealer. Call around to the previously listed stove sellers. Check with local lumber stores, grain and feed stores, home depot, walmart, etc.

Start a new thread. - That's the best pellet supplier in the mid-west? Ask about what others in the Chicago area are paying. Sounds like it's $180/ton in some parts of WI.

Also, this site may help:
(broken link removed to http://www.pelletheat.org/3/residential/fuelAvailability.cfm#midwest)