Long time lurker, first time poster.
My wife and I are building a new house which will have a wood stove. For the past 7 years in our previous home we had a V.C. Encore. I always enjoyed the stove, but sometimes wished it was a bit larger with longer burn times as we burn almost full-time during winter months here in Iowa.
With the new house a bit larger (1,455 SF main level, 1,300 SF second floor) I had planned originally to go with the V.C. Defiant, but think it might cook us out of the house. So I've been doing some research on top loads (after having a top-load for 7 years I can't imagine not having one) and found the Jotul F50 Rangeley. Seems to be similar in size as the Encore, and in pricing it out at the local dealer is even about $1,000 less. So far I'm hooked but I'm looking for advice and input.
In regards to the F50 I had a few questions:
- what have people experienced for burn times?
- how is the ash-pan on the F50?
A more general question - has anyone had experience with an outside air source for their wood stove? Our old house was a bit drafty, and we we normally vented the stove. However, with new construction I'm concerned the house may be too tight and was planning on venting the stove with the outside air kit. Any thoughts?
Any other recommendations or ideas welcome - thanks!
Chad
My wife and I are building a new house which will have a wood stove. For the past 7 years in our previous home we had a V.C. Encore. I always enjoyed the stove, but sometimes wished it was a bit larger with longer burn times as we burn almost full-time during winter months here in Iowa.
With the new house a bit larger (1,455 SF main level, 1,300 SF second floor) I had planned originally to go with the V.C. Defiant, but think it might cook us out of the house. So I've been doing some research on top loads (after having a top-load for 7 years I can't imagine not having one) and found the Jotul F50 Rangeley. Seems to be similar in size as the Encore, and in pricing it out at the local dealer is even about $1,000 less. So far I'm hooked but I'm looking for advice and input.
In regards to the F50 I had a few questions:
- what have people experienced for burn times?
- how is the ash-pan on the F50?
A more general question - has anyone had experience with an outside air source for their wood stove? Our old house was a bit drafty, and we we normally vented the stove. However, with new construction I'm concerned the house may be too tight and was planning on venting the stove with the outside air kit. Any thoughts?
Any other recommendations or ideas welcome - thanks!
Chad