Do you own an old Vermont Castings wood stove or a beat up Heatilator gas fireplace that needs a new part? Manufacturers like Hearth and Home Technologies do not make parts available forever. Many items are no longer manufactured, making them obsolete. Once they stop producing a specific part for an old model, what can you do as the owner of an older model looking for obsolete parts? This guide from Fireplace Experts is here to help you find the part or at least give you a path to get additional assistance.
Guide to Buying Obsolete Parts for Stoves and Fireplaces
How to figure out the make, model and serial number of your fireplace or stove?
The first step is always to identify the make and model of your unit. This can be accomplished by locating the ratings plate on the back of your stove or underside of your fireplace insert. If you can not find a ratings plate, at least get a picture of your unit. Without any pictures it is very difficult to help you find your stove parts or fireplace parts.
Learn more >> How to Find Your Fireplace Model, Brand & Serial Number?
Where to find the owner’s manual for my gas fireplace or wood stove?
After you determine the make and model, it is time to find the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is important to have on hand as you maintain your unit throughout its lifetime. Many manufacturers have their owner’s manuals available on their website or through customer support.
Learn more >> Where to find your fireplace/ stove owner’s manual?
Woodman’s Parts Plus is our favorite website to find obsolete stove or fireplace parts
Woodman’s Parts Plus is an excellent resources for obsolete hearth parts. Family owned since 1977, Woodman’s is a staple if you need an old wood stove part.
“Replacement Wood Stove Parts, Coal Stove Parts, Gas Stove Parts and Pellet Stove Parts are available at Woodman’s Parts Plus, a family run business located in East Wakefield, New Hampshire. The business was established in 1977 in the home of the current owner Jim Tully. Over the years Woodman’s Part Plus has been growing.” Woodman’s | About Us
Mountain View Hearth
Mountain View Hearth has a variety of parts available for your wood stove, gas fireplace and more. They do a great job communicating. Their customer service is consistent and we love what they bring to the hearth industry. Mountain View Hearth is an awesome resource. We highly utilizing their store when looking for quality fireplace parts.
“Mountain View Hearth Products is a small family owned company. We are located in beautiful Northwest Montana, and have several excellent employees. Our goal is to offer a level of customer service and support that is no longer commonly found. We are always willing to take the time to talk to you and help you troubleshoot your stove. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions about our company, or your stove.” Mountain View Hearth | About Us
Why should you buy fireplace parts from an authorized retailer?
When it comes to buying wood stove parts or gas fireplace repair pieces, we highly recommend spending the money on getting the actual stuff from the manufacturer. Use authorized retailers for your specific fireplace brand and we guarantee, you will have a much better time fixing your fireplace. Yes, it is more expensive to buy the real part instead of a knock off, but we promise your future self will be grateful when it is freezing cold outside and you need your stove or fireplace to work.
We frequently see folks buy a part from an off brand supplier and it doesn’t work properly. In the world of fireplace and stoves, it is crucial to purchase quality parts. Safety is essential when intentionally installing fire in your home.
Should I by repair parts from Amazon or Ebay as a last ditch effort before replacement?
In our experience, many of these parts are falsely advertised as OEM, but are actually low grade replacements. Oftentimes, a local fireplace retailer can point you in the right direction or order a part for you. Check out specialty fireplace retailers near you that sell reputable high quality hearth brands like Heat & Glo, Heatilator, Vermont Castings Mendota or Travis Industries.
We have had some good experiences with select vendors on Ebay. (Dutch Wooden Shoe has an incredible obsolete wood stove part inventory.) As a rule of thumb for Ebay sellers, check their inventory and see if the seller has many stove specific parts with good reviews. Sometimes, you can get lucky! Etsy is also a surprisingly good resource in some cases. (Just make sure to do your research!)
In general if you can’t buy the part or find it from a reputable reseller, we recommend going to the hearth community next.
Where can I learn more about wood stoves, gas fireplaces, pellet appliances and more?
If you need someone to speak with there are some very knowledgeable stove & fireplace communities. Here are some we utilize often in our own research:
What fireplace parts should you buy in person and what is okay to buy online?
Buy hearth appliances, venting and repair parts from authorized retailers. Getting low quality venting at a big box store for your wood stove will decrease your efficiency and cost you more money and time into the future.
Save yourself the anxiety and do your projects right the first time with quality vent pipe. Appliances can arrive damaged from large online retailers, while they have professionals on staff to answer questions, local specialty retailers can send a real certified professional to your home.
We always recommend buying local so you have service and support for the 15 – 20 year lifespan of your fireplace, stove or hearth appliance. Learn more >> Is a Gas Fireplace Lifespan Really 15 to 20 Years on Average?
What does it cost to get a new fireplace or use your existing stove?
How to save money on obsolete wood stove parts or outdated gas fireplace supplies?
You can save a lot of money buying your Rutland firestarters and firewood moisture meter on Amazon. We think accessories like these are worth saving money on and buying from the lowest price. As long as you are buying for quality at these locations, you are in business as far as we are concerned. (Buying gasket cement online for your wood stove can be risky as it can occasionally be old and dried. Learn more >> How to Safely Replace Wood Stove Rope Gasket?)
Where to buy quality chimney and venting supplies online?
We have had good experiences with Rockford Chimney Supply for DIY projects being completed by the homeowner. Rockford sells quality chimney liners and fireplace venting. Rockford also puts out great information in their DIY fireplace blog center. (We respect the effort and commitment it takes to put out quality educational information online.)
Where does The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts buy chimney supplies?
At The Stove Shop, we use Copperfield Chimney Supply for a majority of our chimney liners and venting. Many wood stove dealers utilize companies like Hearth & Home Technologies, Northeast Distribution, Ray Murray and BAC Sales.
Locally, here in Pennsylvania, we have a great outfitter called, Leacock Coleman. (Check out their store, located in the hearth of Lancaster, PA.)
Since 1977, The Stove Shop’s mission has been to help our customers stay warm & save money. Serving Chester county, Delaware County and Montgomery County Pennsylvania. We hope this information was useful to you. If you have any questions, please contact us.
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