Another "New User, First Post" Question - Pellet Stove to replace LP?

needsmoheat said:

I live in a 1640Sqft home in central PA. Last night our outside temp was 27, I run my 25-pdvc @ around 1-1.1 lbs/hr. Inside temp was 76. Kitchen window open, wife walking around half naked.

Here is my take...I by no means am an expert, but have been heating with pellets / corn for a good while. I soley use pellets and corn for heat between my shop (5100sqft) and my home.

This is what I have learned.
1. Forget the sqft ratings! You need to look at it more as a BTU/hr deal than anything. Figure out how many Lb's/hr you need to burn and figure out the effeciency of the unit you are going to use.
2. NEVER oversize a pellet stove. You need something that can spread the heating season from mild to cold. I would rather have a stove that was just a touch small and have to run it on high on the coldest days.
3. Insulation is your friend.
4. If you follow a quick daily routine of keeping after your burnpot (2-3mins at most when you get good at it) you will save yourself a lot of time on your weekly and monthly cleanings.
5. Keep your pellets inside if at all possible. I have yet to find a pellet manufacturer that either does not have perforated bags or knows how to seal them properly.
6. If you find a pellet manufacturer that works good for you...stick with it! Buy off season and buy way more than you ever think you will need. I hear stories of pellets going bad. I am burning pellets now that are 2 years old. Keep them dry and you will have no problems.

What kind of cars are you into? If you are a gearhead you will love the englander stove. These things are begging to be played with and modified...plus the support is incredible! For some reason England's get a bad rap from the stuffy stove sales places. My Traeger dealer who also sells Quad will tell you if you want your house to burn down you buy an Englander.... I guess his feelings are hurt by all of the business they loose to them! They are really built nice...don't let the price fool you!

Good luck and stay warm!

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