Be aware that access to experienced repair and maintenance on pellet stoves is essential. You WILL need maintenance to keep them going, and should expect to need repairs from time to time as well. I'd shop around at local fireplace shops for equipment, and get straight answers about the availability of service as well. You might want to call people who have had service on their pellet stoves recently and ask them if they have been happy. That's especially important if you are really relying on a stove for heat. If you have to wait weeks for service and parts, or repairman can't fix the problem, you will be an unhappy pellet stove user. How long has your son had his stove? Has he had maintenance done on it, and if so did he get service on a reasonable basis? There are a lot of pellet stove users who run the equipment withoput maintenance until it quits. That is not a good practice. It should be cleaned and maintained on an annual basis by a qualified repairman.

Catnapper or Franklin in your price range. Both very good brands.

I had the first window company visit the house yesterday. He referred to my existing “single strength” windows as “$3.00 windows” and said the installation was awful, it’s no wonder I hear so much outdoor noise. He feels the basic glass option from Marvin, with proper installation, will make a noticeable difference but based on my comments would recommend their sound reducing option. The second company I’m meeting with later this week was recommended to me by the local architectural rep from Marvin. Unfortunately, I’m already not feeling solid about this company. The salesman didn’t follow up with me during our first interaction and when I mentioned it, he placed blame on the Marvin rep. Also, when I told him I would be comparing him against other companies he started with the scare tactics about most local companies don’t have certified installers. Seems like a fast talker to me, which put me off. Will have more details about the windows later this week.

I have 27 years of industry experience, including managing a showroom and stone fabrication shop. I also moderate many industry groups, who deal with issues from multiple industry aspects. The common denominator issue that will defeat fabricator skill every time is poor quality materials. As I said, that can happen from multiple respected sources, to the cheapest of sources. But, it more often happens with the no name cheap sources. When it does, there is no assistance or recourse for the fabricator other than for them to eat it. This is why those with good reputations, who deal with this hands on every day, with their names on it, tend to not choose the no name brands. There are plenty of reputable brands made from Georgia to the Carolinas to Canada. Lower transport costs and more accountability are big factors in choosing manufacturer partners.