Hello everyone. I've decided on a Jutol insert. Now the great decision is to get the Kennebec or the Rockland. I have 1200 sqft 60 ranch with an open floor plan. I know the kennebec would far well but I'm planning on adding sqft somewhere down the road and figure the rockland would be a better choice. This will be my first winter in the house. I feel the house prob isn't insulated well because of age. My question is will the roackland be too big. I was told by the dealer it would be fine and suggested that if I was to add sqft then prob the bigger would be better . Does anyone have experience with working with a larger stove in a smaller floor plan?
Jotul C550
- Thread starter Jdcronk
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
- Status
Grisu
Minister of Fire
Welcome to the forum!
A common phrase here is that you can always make a smaller fire in a larger stove but not vice versa. If you don't need the full capacity of the Rockland then load less wood to make smaller fires and/or reload it less often. Nevertheless, make sure that the wood is dry with an internal moisture content of 20 % or less. Usually that means it has to be split and stacked for 1 to 3 years depending on the tree species in a sunny and windy spot. Although firewood sellers often advertise "seasoned firewood" it rarely is as many members here needed to realize.
Make sure to get a full liner installed; an insulated one is highly recommended. Get also a block-off plate to keep the heat in the house: https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/
A common phrase here is that you can always make a smaller fire in a larger stove but not vice versa. If you don't need the full capacity of the Rockland then load less wood to make smaller fires and/or reload it less often. Nevertheless, make sure that the wood is dry with an internal moisture content of 20 % or less. Usually that means it has to be split and stacked for 1 to 3 years depending on the tree species in a sunny and windy spot. Although firewood sellers often advertise "seasoned firewood" it rarely is as many members here needed to realize.
Make sure to get a full liner installed; an insulated one is highly recommended. Get also a block-off plate to keep the heat in the house: https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/
Bigg_Redd
Minister of Fire
My dad has had the Jotul 550 for 3 years now and it has been a huge, under-performing let down.
rkofler
Burning Hunk
I have the 550 heating my 2,300 sq. ft. ranch for 3 winters now. My oil consumption has been cut by more than half and my house is much warmer than it would be if I only heated with oil.
If I were you I would probably go with the 550, especially since you say you will be adding square footage. I will warn that making small fires is not as easy as it sounds. This thing likes to burn hot with a lot of fuel. You might just have to open a window, or reload less frequently.
If I were you I would probably go with the 550, especially since you say you will be adding square footage. I will warn that making small fires is not as easy as it sounds. This thing likes to burn hot with a lot of fuel. You might just have to open a window, or reload less frequently.
- Status
