ULEB Wood Burners

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#1719884 14-Feb-2017 11:04

Did you install the free heat transfer kit?

I still have it sitting in my garage. Waiting until Winter to see if I need it (I doubt it).

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Wheelbarrow01

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#1719910 14-Feb-2017 11:56

Psilan:

Did you install the free heat transfer kit?

I still have it sitting in my garage. Waiting until Winter to see if I need it (I doubt it).

No, it's on my to do list lol. Complicating the issue is that all 3 of my bedrooms have false decorative ceilings just below the original ceilings. The issue is that I just know the ceiling battens used for each of these will be at different spacings. Murphys law says that no matter where I try to mount the outlets, I will hit either an original ceiling batten, or a decorative ceiling batten. This is why I haven't started and am leaning towards a professional install - although there's no guarantee they won't balls it up either....

I will definitely need mine - my house is long and narrow, so the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms at the rear are a long way from the fire which is at the very front of the house. These rooms also have no insulation in the walls which does not help, although the 1960's brick cladding provides some good thermal mass. Long term that is something I will address but I need to pay a decent whack off the mortgage and ride the market up first in order to justify the expenditure.

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#1745305 21-Mar-2017 18:17

Psilan:

Wheelbarrow01

Interesting - who did you buy your one off? I actually raised the fan noise issue a few days after installation, as it seemed quite loud. I was told it would get quieter after a few uses, which it definitely did, but I can still hear it. I might raise this with them again - I wonder if they had a faulty batch?

The latch replacement you mention is also interesting. My lower chamber came open once while the fire was in use - you wouldn't believe the volume of smoke that billowed out as I scrambled to close it (without burning myself). This occured about an hour after I had just cleaned the ash out of that chamber, so I just assumed I had failed to close the latch properly. It does have a hook, but I wouldn't say it clicks into place as such. It would be nice to have some positive confirmation that it's actually locked so I don't do that again. I'll look into this also.....

Heatstore Christchurch was my supplier.

The fan was identical to the one it replaced.

I have 2 videos which demonstrate the problem

During operation: https://goo.gl/photos/PtLkrbgAGrsZmYjL9

Direct blower access: https://goo.gl/photos/nyuYjFzLJ2DRGY5g8

As for the latch;

The new bottom latch clicks the same way the top latch does. This was raised as a safety concern because some apparently flew open during earthquakes. It's definitely something you want swapped out and it's free. Amazing yours came open. That would be scary when operating at full blast! You'd fry your floor.

Well - I just lit my Masport Mystique about an hour ago, and the lower chamber door just flew open again for no apparent reason. This is now the second time it's unlatched itself while the fire is in use and there is no good reason for it to have done so. I have left a voice message for Heatstore to come and carry out the fix they did for @Psilan. I am supposed to be going out tonight and was going to leave the fire to burn down in my absence, but now I don't want to leave the house until the fire has fully burned out. #annoying...

On another note, the switch from pine to oregon fuel has made a massive difference. A more pleasant and less intense heat plus a much longer burn time - around 60-90 minutes between adding fuel. Basically once the fire is up to temperature, I am using only 2 to 3 pieces of split oregon log per night.

Psilan

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Ultimate Geek
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#1745306 21-Mar-2017 18:23

Wheelbarrow01:

Psilan:

Wheelbarrow01

Interesting - who did you buy your one off? I actually raised the fan noise issue a few days after installation, as it seemed quite loud. I was told it would get quieter after a few uses, which it definitely did, but I can still hear it. I might raise this with them again - I wonder if they had a faulty batch?

The latch replacement you mention is also interesting. My lower chamber came open once while the fire was in use - you wouldn't believe the volume of smoke that billowed out as I scrambled to close it (without burning myself). This occured about an hour after I had just cleaned the ash out of that chamber, so I just assumed I had failed to close the latch properly. It does have a hook, but I wouldn't say it clicks into place as such. It would be nice to have some positive confirmation that it's actually locked so I don't do that again. I'll look into this also.....

Heatstore Christchurch was my supplier.

The fan was identical to the one it replaced.

I have 2 videos which demonstrate the problem

During operation: https://goo.gl/photos/PtLkrbgAGrsZmYjL9

Direct blower access: https://goo.gl/photos/nyuYjFzLJ2DRGY5g8

As for the latch;

The new bottom latch clicks the same way the top latch does. This was raised as a safety concern because some apparently flew open during earthquakes. It's definitely something you want swapped out and it's free. Amazing yours came open. That would be scary when operating at full blast! You'd fry your floor.

Well - I just lit my Masport Mystique about an hour ago, and the lower chamber door just flew open again for no apparent reason. This is now the second time it's unlatched itself while the fire is in use and there is no good reason for it to have done so. I have left a voice message for Heatstore to come and carry out the fix they did for @Psilan. I am supposed to be going out tonight and was going to leave the fire to burn down in my absence, but now I don't want to leave the house until the fire has fully burned out. #annoying...

On another note, the switch from pine to oregon fuel has made a massive difference. A more pleasant and less intense heat plus a much longer burn time - around 60-90 minutes between adding fuel. Basically once the fire is up to temperature, I am using only 2 to 3 pieces of split oregon log per night.

Scary.

We use Oregon, it's awesome. Hardly any ash.

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mattwnz

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#1745314 21-Mar-2017 18:53

That is a concern with the loud fan and the bottom door opening, and may affect me buying one, as I don't want something that has to then be repaired. I was hoping they would be releasing an updated model before I purchase mine, that has these types of problems fixed. I see that Masport are now doing a new model called the Akaroa http://www.masportheating.co.nz/products-1/akaroa-freestanding-radiant-wood-burner-with-ash-pan . Although it looks somewhat similar in form and dimensions, albeit more round, it isn't a ULEB fire, so not a efficient. But that may not be a problem in my area, as ULEB fires are not a requirement. It is also substantially cheaper, and with discounts it will probably work out at about half the price for the unit for what looks like the same heat output.

Psilan

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#1745317 21-Mar-2017 18:55

I wouldn't call it a repair. It's one screw and a clip to swap out. If price isn't a concern I wouldn't let it sway you to something else.

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mattwnz

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#1745357 21-Mar-2017 20:32

Psilan:

I wouldn't call it a repair. It's one screw and a clip to swap out. If price isn't a concern I wouldn't let it sway you to something else.

I will contact Masport to see if the new ones have the problems fixed on new units they sell. The thing is I need two woodburners to two different ends of a house, so tossing up whether to go for either the Akaroa, the Mystique, or one of each. Apparently they use the same flue system, so the flues look the same from the outside which is good thing if mixing and matching. What is weird is that the Mystique only has a 5 year warranty, but the Akaroa which is a lot cheaper, has a 10 year one. Do ULEBs have a shorter life to them?

Psilan

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Ultimate Geek
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#1745371 21-Mar-2017 20:40

The new ones definitely have the fix done according to the tech that came out. You can jusdt test it by unlocking the bottom chamber and locking again. If it has an inset on the hinge, and clicks in - instead of slides. It's a newer one.

What's 'a lot cheaper'? Installation is a huge part of the cost, so I guess you save like 1.5-2k?

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mattwnz

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#1745383 21-Mar-2017 20:53

Psilan:

The new ones definitely have the fix done according to the tech that came out. You can jusdt test it by unlocking the bottom chamber and locking again. If it has an inset on the hinge, and clicks in - instead of slides. It's a newer one.

What's 'a lot cheaper'? Installation is a huge part of the cost, so I guess you save like 1.5-2k?

If I went for the non ULEB I could probably get 2 for $5k. But two ULEB models would work out at about $9.5k. So that would be a 4.5 k saving, which is quite a bit. There will be some extra fittings needed though, but flue kits seem to be bundled with the fire. Installation will be part of the building contract as a new build, so I don't really know what that will break down to, and will also involve the roofer, but imagine it will be the same no matter which model is chosen. Will probably have to do a bit more research, as this new Akaroa model has only just come out. But I am a bit concerned with durability on the ULEB model, as I do want them to last a good 10+ years. My current woodburner is at least 30 years old.

Psilan

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#1745384 21-Mar-2017 20:55

They seem pretty well built. The failure points would be the electronics like the fan.

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Wheelbarrow01

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#1745648 22-Mar-2017 11:18

Psilan:

The new ones definitely have the fix done according to the tech that came out. You can jusdt test it by unlocking the bottom chamber and locking again. If it has an inset on the hinge, and clicks in - instead of slides. It's a newer one.

What's 'a lot cheaper'? Installation is a huge part of the cost, so I guess you save like 1.5-2k?

I just spoke to the service guy at Heatstore - they are sending a guy out tomorrow to replace the latch on the lower door, so I am happy with their swift response. While they are here they will also check my fan to make sure it's not noisier than specified. It doesn't seem too bad but I have no basis for comparison really, it's just the clicking noise it makes that irks me ever so slightly. I am probably just being pedantic. Either way, I have been assured that if it's not right they will replace the fan. I can't ask for better than that.

Psilan

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#1745661 22-Mar-2017 11:26

Well my fan doesn't click at all, and high speed is tolerable even when watching tv.

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Wheelbarrow01

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#1746568 23-Mar-2017 18:33

Psilan: Well my fan doesn't click at all, and high speed is tolerable even when watching tv.

Matt from Heatstore visited this afternoon and replaced my lower door latch - a vast improvement now with positive feedback when engaging the latch. He also removed the front cover of the fan area and found one of the electrical wires was touching the top of the fan assembly. He says it must have landed that way after transportation to my house. This is why my fan was noisy. There was no damage to the wire so he tucked it out of the way and I've since lit the fire. It's up to full temperature now and I was just listening out for the fan. It's pretty much completely silent on low speed, and very much quieter on high speed. I actually can't hear the low speed at all over the whoosh noise of burning wood now, so I am 100% happy.

Matt told me that after I called them yesterday, Heatstore immediately ordered an entire replacement fan assembly and wiring loom from Masport under warranty, however having now tested it, it appears it won't be required. Matt advised I made the right choice with Masport - he said they have the best after sales and warranty care. He told me about a guy in Kaiapoi whose handle on his 8 year old Masport burner recently broke off. Even though his burner was outside of the warranty period and the spare part was not available, Masport still organised and paid for the handle to be repaired by a welder. It's good to hear such positive anecdotes.

What can I say, I was happy with the fire before, but now I am stoked (nice fire pun there lol).

Psilan

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#1746569 23-Mar-2017 18:36

Great to hear.

I think it was Matt that helped me too. Very helpful and friendly service.

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mattwnz

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#1746580 23-Mar-2017 19:16

Wheelbarrow01:

Matt advised I made the right choice with Masport - he said they have the best after sales and warranty care. He told me about a guy in Kaiapoi whose handle on his 8 year old Masport burner recently broke off. Even though his burner was outside of the warranty period and the spare part was not available, Masport still organised and paid for the handle to be repaired by a welder. It's good to hear such positive anecdotes.

What can I say, I was happy with the fire before, but now I am stoked (nice fire pun there lol).

Certainly that is the reason I would go for the Masport brand, because they have been around for a long time, and you don't hear of people who have problems. With some of these imported brands, where a single company may import them, you don' t know how long you will continue to be able to get parts for them, especially if the company disappears. At least the masport ones also appear to be made in NZ

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