If you are anywhere close to surrounding Lafayette area, I would give a A fires Place a call.
435 Farabee Dr, Lafayette, IN 47905 · (765) 446-9495
I spoke with them yesterday and they seem very knowledgeable. Only problem is they are scheduled out until February!
I just bought a regency h2100 insert. If u are with REMC for electric (I'm with Johnson county)
you can get a 1500 dollar rebate on swapping out your old unit or even if you
just have a fireplace insert like I do. I bought it from economy fireplace in Elletsville
looks like a great little unit and has good reviews.
We are with Boone REMC, I will check with them on rebates, Thank you!
I've had the Quadrafire in the house sine it was built in 2010, furnace never runs, 3200 feet of living space. Purchased it from Economy Fireplace in Elletsville. Only issue I can think of is that you have to split your wood down to what I call stovewood size, about the length and thickness of my forearm.
Sorry, I don't see a fireplace in that pic!
I used them a few years back and got a Jotul 450 Kennebec.
Other than mine being the 2 door older model, this is what I got and it's great.
It full and easy control of the combustion air with a simple lever on the front.
Jøtul C 450 Kennebec - Fireplace Inserts - Products | Jøtul
I've heard lots of good things about the Jotul. I think the 450 might be too small for our place but the 550 just about right. They are a bit spendy.
I've got a Pacific Energy Vista insert that I LOVE!!!!! The guy who installed it is out of biz, so now I use RT's Fireplace shop (Plainfield) for anything I need-which I will say has only been advise so far. Props to PE!
I sweep my own liner every year and burn good dry wood which is the key with these new EPA stoves. Do that, and you wont need maintenance from a pro.
Instead of hearth.com, try here Firewood Hoarder's Club Forums. I used to be on hearth, so I can DEFINETLY say this place is where an INGO guy wants to be--this FHC place was started because the mods on hearth were monitoring PM's and such. Deleting posts for no reason, etc. No gun talk on hearth either...not even a pic in an avatar! ......a quick banhammer will follow.
I was at RT's today and spent some time with Ron. I am leaning their direction.
I agree...a CAT stove isn't for everyone. ESPECIALLY if you aren't into seasoning split and stacked wood for a year+ minimum. To get the full benefits of a CAT, wood has to be 20% moisture or under. Preferably under. Not to mention, replacing them costs $. Don't get me wrong, an EPA stove likes dry wood too, but its not gonna get all jacked up if your wood isn't primo.
My insert has a blower which is a MUST if you ask me. It makes all the difference in the world. I can see on a free standing stove where it may not bee AS much of a need/ benefit but since the insert is crammed into a fireplace, a blower is needed to get the heat out into the room, instead of up the chase and chimney.
I don't see a CAT stove in my future but I understand they put out some serious heat and are very efficient. I do not want the added maintenance as well as dealing with the particulars of the burn style.
You're correct, a blower is a must.