First off, thanks to all of you for all of the great information I have read on this wonderful site. It has been so helpful for someone new to the game.
I have a ranch home that is about 2,000 sq ft or so with a Jotul Oslo in the basement. Existing wood stove (what a dandy) was there when I moved in a year ago. I have a high efficiency gas fireplace on the first floor (wife's decision). The house is shaped like an L with the stove basically in the middle of the house.
I am looking for ideas to help move the heat thru the house. I am really impressed with the Jotul and the heat it puts out. Simply with the door to the basement open it seems like a lot of heat moves upstairs, which is great. However, I have two cold air returns that run directly above the stove and one main heat duct adjacent to it. I'd like to move that heat thru my ductwork, either with the furnace fan on or some kind of venting solution. I have been experimenting, blowing a fan on the stove, still need to put a fan on the top of the staircase, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also, I realize I probably should have put the stove upstairs but I have very small children and the basement location is the safest for them. The basement is a walkout which makes it very convienent to bring in wood, get rid of ashes, etc.
Lastly, my biggest problem has been wet wood. The kid, and he was young, that I bought my oak from this year definitely did not season it for the two years necessary. Being a first timer, I foolishly bought it without so much as a simple split or two to check it out. When I split it, the moisture is noticeable. If I do purchase from him again it will be simply to stack it and season it on my own. His claims of the wood being seasoned were far from it.
Thanks again to everyone, this site is a treasure chest of information. I really appreciate it and to anyone who has any suggestions thank you!
I have a ranch home that is about 2,000 sq ft or so with a Jotul Oslo in the basement. Existing wood stove (what a dandy) was there when I moved in a year ago. I have a high efficiency gas fireplace on the first floor (wife's decision). The house is shaped like an L with the stove basically in the middle of the house.
I am looking for ideas to help move the heat thru the house. I am really impressed with the Jotul and the heat it puts out. Simply with the door to the basement open it seems like a lot of heat moves upstairs, which is great. However, I have two cold air returns that run directly above the stove and one main heat duct adjacent to it. I'd like to move that heat thru my ductwork, either with the furnace fan on or some kind of venting solution. I have been experimenting, blowing a fan on the stove, still need to put a fan on the top of the staircase, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also, I realize I probably should have put the stove upstairs but I have very small children and the basement location is the safest for them. The basement is a walkout which makes it very convienent to bring in wood, get rid of ashes, etc.
Lastly, my biggest problem has been wet wood. The kid, and he was young, that I bought my oak from this year definitely did not season it for the two years necessary. Being a first timer, I foolishly bought it without so much as a simple split or two to check it out. When I split it, the moisture is noticeable. If I do purchase from him again it will be simply to stack it and season it on my own. His claims of the wood being seasoned were far from it.
Thanks again to everyone, this site is a treasure chest of information. I really appreciate it and to anyone who has any suggestions thank you!
