OAK........Sort of. Opinions?

[Melissa220]

Are there any other dealers in the Bangor area you could check with?

No. I purchased from Evergreen Home and Hearth in Brewer, and there is an Evergreen Home in Ellsworth. Next closest Harman dealer is in Palmyra.

 

[Melissa220]

I made my choice before the stove was installed.

Unfortunately, being completely green about stoves and the process when I purchased my stove, I was also clueless about what might be best or what I might need and relied on the dealers supposed superior knowledge about his product.

 

[subsailor]

Unfortunately, being completely green about stoves and the process when I purchased my stove, I was also clueless about what might be best or what I might need and relied on the dealers supposed superior knowledge about his product.

That's natural. You would expect him to steer you in the right direction. I'm still not convinced he sold you the right stove, either. I would ask him one more time about the oak and explain why. If he still refuses, a good building contractor would be your next option. If you know anyone else burning pellets, talk to them and find out who did theirs if they have one.

 

[Northwoodneil]

DYI, if you can clean and maintain our own stove I bet you can do it. 3" hole saw and a set of tin snips. Plenty of folks here to help with any questions.

 

[P38X2]

As Northwoodneil pointed out, you may be able to DIY it. The "hard" part is already done. Not sure who manufactured your thimble but they probably have one with an integrated OAK, possibly dimensionally identical. Wait til warmer weather comes and try it then, that way you're not rushed.

 

[gfreek]

Get the OAK installed. The combustion air has to come from somewhere, inside the house, from around the trim & any other place it can draw from...

 

[Melissa220]

The combustion air has to come from somewhere, inside the house, from around the trim & any other place it can draw from...

Which is likely why, when I am sitting in my living room at 71 degrees, I feel a cold breeze on my nose and toes!

 

[Melissa220]

As Northwoodneil pointed out, you may be able to DIY it. The "hard" part is already done. Not sure who manufactured your thimble but they probably have one with an integrated OAK, possibly dimensionally identical. Wait til warmer weather comes and try it then, that way you're not rushed.

My manual does show a 'Direct Vent Wall Passthrough Kit' that integrates both the vent and the air intake. It also provides the part number for that AND the inlet cover to keep beasties out of the pipe.

DYI, if you can clean and maintain our own stove

I do everything for the cleanings, even brushing the ESP with a toothbrush. BUT, I'm not sure I would want to undertake the annual cleaning, getting behind the stove, cleaning the vent pipes, the fines box, etc. I probably could do it, but I'd hate to screw up the investment!

 

[Harman Lover 007]

My manual does show a 'Direct Vent Wall Passthrough Kit' that integrates both the vent and the air intake. It also provides the part number for that AND the inlet cover to keep beasties out of the pipe.


I do everything for the cleanings, even brushing the ESP with a toothbrush. BUT, I'm not sure I would want to undertake the annual cleaning, getting behind the stove, cleaning the vent pipes, the fines box, etc. I probably could do it, but I'd hate to screw up the investment!

From what I've seen and read of your experiences so far...you could do it!!

 

[gfreek]

I do everything for the cleanings, even brushing the ESP with a toothbrush. BUT, I'm not sure I would want to undertake the annual cleaning, getting behind the stove, cleaning the vent pipes, the fines box, etc. I probably could do it, but I'd hate to screw up the investment!

You can do it. Granted the the first time you'll be apprehensive. Read over the manual, Harman has a cleaning video, along with others on line & as you've realized there are many here that can help..

 

[mepellet]

even brushing the ESP with a toothbrush.

I've seen you mention cleaning the ESP with a toothbrush a couple times. Just curious if others do this also? I cleaned my ESP only after burning 2.5 tons last year. I cleaned it by pulling it out and wiping down with windex because I thought I had read that was the way to do it. Am I doing this wrong?

 

[P38X2]

I've seen you mention cleaning the ESP with a toothbrush a couple times. Just curious if others do this also? I cleaned my ESP only after burning 2.5 tons last year. I cleaned it by pulling it out and wiping down with windex because I thought I had read that was the way to do it. Am I doing this wrong?

IMO, Windex isn't necessary, unless there's some gooey coating on it. I'd imagine you'd have to have something seriously wrong if that is occurring. Ash will insulate the probe to some degree but the stove would likely still run, although start up times could be affected. Also, "stove temp" settings may be slightly off. It's essentially the same concept as getting optimum efficiency from your heat exchanger by keeping it clean.

Of course, aside from being a PITA, actually removing the probe to clean it will yield a more thorough cleaning. But again, IMO, it's unnecessary wear and tear on the back

 

[mepellet]

IMO, Windex isn't necessary, unless there's some gooey coating on it. I'd imagine you'd have to have something seriously wrong if that is occurring. Ash will insulate the probe to some degree but the stove would likely still run, although start up times could be affected. Also, "stove temp" settings may be slightly off. It's essentially the same concept as getting optimum efficiency from your heat exchanger by keeping it clean.

Of course, aside from being a PITA, actually removing the probe to clean it will yield a more thorough cleaning. But again, IMO, it's unnecessary wear and tear on the back

Yea at the time I felt like the windex wasn't necessary. Already had the windex and paper towel near the stove so I used it anyway. There was barely a thin layer of ash on the ESP. Real easy to clean. How do most people clean their ESP?

 

[P38X2]

I use a long handle nylon bristle "bottle" brush. Local hardware store should carry em.

 

[mepellet]

I use a long handle nylon bristle "bottle" brush. Local hardware store should carry em.

Ok cool. Thanks. I'll do that during my weekly cleanings but I still want to pull the ESP out once or twice a season to do a FULL vent cleaning. My typical cleaning schedule I have set up has a Vent cleaning with linteater (external of stove) every 30 bags or so and a FULL vent cleaning with the 2" brush that came with the linteater set (including area ESP is in twice a season). I do keep an eye on the ESP and the exhaust path within the stove each week when I clean the stove and take the plate off the combustion fan to give it a quick brush down with a 2" paintbrush.

 

[mepellet]

Thanks Smokey. The surface area of the cast iron were the thermometer is being mounted is only slightly bigger then the magnet and a majority of the spring is being subject to the air coming out of the heat exchanger tubes. Considering I am measuring the temperature the same way all of the time, an increase in temp is just that, an increase in temp.

I have a K-type thermal probe that I will setup tonight and get a more accurate measurement.

But back to the OP's original question......

With your stove model and the way it is situated, an OAK would be an easy install. I would recommend installing one sooner then later in order to get the benefits. There is still a lot of heating season left.

What did you find out last night with the K-type thermal probe setup?