Last year I installed my insert, and the first night it was going over night, I probably got up 5 or 6 times to go look at the stove. I remember thinking oh my god that thing is hot, the entire stove is filled with a fireball and the secondary burn tubes look like they're fired by propane. The livingroom was 80 degrees, and I couldn't believe the thing wasn't going to just melt.
Well, according to the manual, my stove was not showing any signs of being over fired, the primary air inlet was as low as it could go, so logically, I was thinking....Well, the stove manufacturer must have tested this thing with full loads of wood, it must be intended to do this. But I'll say the first few fires can make you pretty nervous. Well, now I've gotten used to it, but I can still say that when it's really ripping along, I still am just a touch nervous, but when it's cold out and I wake up at 3 or 4 am to toss a few more splits on, I'm very happy that stove is hot and keeping the house warm.
I do remember a few times when the coal stoves in my parents got cherry red because someone forgot to lower the air, and they seemed to be just fine. (I wouldn't recommend doing though
) My insert with it's blower never gets that hot, and I'm glad the blower is there to get the heat out of the stove.
So the one thing I do think about sometimes is this: If I had to do it again, what would I do differently.
Options:
1. I might have removed the Majestic Prefab and built an alcove, but that would have been a serious amount of work, that would have included a complete chimney reinstall. but would have given me the flexibility of installing a freestanding stove instead of a an insert...much different look though.
2. I might have gone with a Lopi Revere which would have fit but has a larger firebox than my Osburn. Downside is the Osburn's view of the fire is second to none. It's a Very pretty insert once installed.
3. I might have removed the Majestic and purchesed a new prefab-fireplace that is made with more woodstove like technology. Again, the complete chimney rebuild.
In all I believe I made the right decision. The stove heats the house, It looks nice, and my wife is very happy with it.
I hope you enjoy your stove. You've made a life changing decsion that will have impacts that you never imagined.
People will not believe how well it works, you'll get in better shape gathering wood, You might even become obsessed with gathering wood...I think I have. If you have kids, they won't take it for granted that you just turn up the thermostat to get heat. They get to know that you have to care for and feed the stove. You have to bring in wood from where you store it, they get to know that you care about the whole oil situation.
You and your SO will like hanging out and chatting by the stove and just watching the fire. I can't tell you what a nice calming effect the stove has, and how many times my wife and I turn off the TV in favor of just sitting on the hearth being cooked by the blast of radiant heat and just watching the fire.
Enjoy
!
I used less than half of the year before, but the price went up so much that I still had to spendt the same dollar amount.
