(Edit to add link.)
Hi all, trying to sort out my options for heating this winter.
Built approx 1870, frame construction, 2 stories, about 1700 sq ft, some insulation (not to current standards, but not awful), replacement windows. Haven't spent a full winter here yet, just couple months of last one which barely qualifies. Been busy with many other projects here so now that it's getting cooler...this one's at the top of the list.
Current heating is forced hot air, oil-fired. Natural gas not available, probably never will be.
Question is, what to supplement/replace the oil with? Ran through around half (275 gal) tank in 2.5 months with thermostat set near 60; other experiences with similar houses, albeit hot water heat, suggest average consumption at 3 to 4 tanks in a more normal winter. Not a nice sort of expense.
Previous (or maybe once removed!) owners had an old Riteway furnace in the basement--still there, not hitched to ductwork, nor is it usable--firebox rotten in at least one spot, who knows how many other spots are close. Chimney discussion in a separate thread. Likely would need relined. Link: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/hairline-cracks-in-tile-liner-usable-or-must-reline.89878/
Thinking wood (or wood/coal) furnace in basement tied into ducts; or wood stove on first floor run into a new metalbestos chimney; or stoker stove (burns rice coal--anthracite--needs electricity to run) tied into ducts in basement, or direct vent on first floor. Pellets are out; cost per BTU is way higher than rice coal around here, and have the same drawbacks as far as needing electricity / added complexity.
Constraints are:
--would like to spend no more than $2k; less is better of course
--would prefer less complex and not dependent on electricity; not a complete necessity though.
--young children--then again, both my wife and I grew up with wood heat, and survived just fine.
Had (have, but needs internal rebuild--d*&# tenants overfired badly) an old Defiant, which heated most of a previous house in Northern NY to our satisfaction. Could also buy a new stove, would lean towards Englander NC30 if that route.
Several local possibilities for coal and wood stoves for sale also.
Thanks much for your input!
Hi all, trying to sort out my options for heating this winter.
Built approx 1870, frame construction, 2 stories, about 1700 sq ft, some insulation (not to current standards, but not awful), replacement windows. Haven't spent a full winter here yet, just couple months of last one which barely qualifies. Been busy with many other projects here so now that it's getting cooler...this one's at the top of the list.
Current heating is forced hot air, oil-fired. Natural gas not available, probably never will be.
Question is, what to supplement/replace the oil with? Ran through around half (275 gal) tank in 2.5 months with thermostat set near 60; other experiences with similar houses, albeit hot water heat, suggest average consumption at 3 to 4 tanks in a more normal winter. Not a nice sort of expense.
Previous (or maybe once removed!) owners had an old Riteway furnace in the basement--still there, not hitched to ductwork, nor is it usable--firebox rotten in at least one spot, who knows how many other spots are close. Chimney discussion in a separate thread. Likely would need relined. Link: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/hairline-cracks-in-tile-liner-usable-or-must-reline.89878/
Thinking wood (or wood/coal) furnace in basement tied into ducts; or wood stove on first floor run into a new metalbestos chimney; or stoker stove (burns rice coal--anthracite--needs electricity to run) tied into ducts in basement, or direct vent on first floor. Pellets are out; cost per BTU is way higher than rice coal around here, and have the same drawbacks as far as needing electricity / added complexity.
Constraints are:
--would like to spend no more than $2k; less is better of course
--would prefer less complex and not dependent on electricity; not a complete necessity though.
--young children--then again, both my wife and I grew up with wood heat, and survived just fine.
Had (have, but needs internal rebuild--d*&# tenants overfired badly) an old Defiant, which heated most of a previous house in Northern NY to our satisfaction. Could also buy a new stove, would lean towards Englander NC30 if that route.
Several local possibilities for coal and wood stoves for sale also.
Thanks much for your input!