I love a fire and I love the Cartalk guys so I already feel at home, but REALLY need some advice. We have a large brick fireplace in the living room of a 2 story colonial.
We also have a free supply of seasoned oak firewood (and roughly 5 million leaves to rake). With electricity prices set to "skyrocket" it seemed like a good time to consider a back up plan; installing a wood insert. My husband, in true boy scout form, loves an open fire as do I, but I dislike the inefficiency of it. We went to 1 local wood stove store and we (I) liked the Quadrafire 4100. To make a long story short, I reserved the last one they have coming in this year. My husband is willing to put up with my plan.. . . . . . However (here's where I need some feedback) I'm starting to wonder what I've done! I'm going through the what ifs. I'm imagining this cozy wood insert will: light on the first try, have not a hint of smoke, have a good draft up the chimney, and be not too hot, not too cold, just right! Then i started thinking: what if it does smoke, doesn't find it's way up the chimney so well, heats the room to 90 degrees while the rest of the first floor is at 60. You get the picture. It's very weird to make such a big purchase without experiencing the insert first hand. This web site is awesome and I'm counting on you "guys" to save me from a really bad mistake that i'll live to, perhaps, regret. Fortunately, my husband is very forgiving! Thanks
(sorry this is so long - good thing i'm not allowed to talk on here!)
We also have a free supply of seasoned oak firewood (and roughly 5 million leaves to rake). With electricity prices set to "skyrocket" it seemed like a good time to consider a back up plan; installing a wood insert. My husband, in true boy scout form, loves an open fire as do I, but I dislike the inefficiency of it. We went to 1 local wood stove store and we (I) liked the Quadrafire 4100. To make a long story short, I reserved the last one they have coming in this year. My husband is willing to put up with my plan.. . . . . . However (here's where I need some feedback) I'm starting to wonder what I've done! I'm going through the what ifs. I'm imagining this cozy wood insert will: light on the first try, have not a hint of smoke, have a good draft up the chimney, and be not too hot, not too cold, just right! Then i started thinking: what if it does smoke, doesn't find it's way up the chimney so well, heats the room to 90 degrees while the rest of the first floor is at 60. You get the picture. It's very weird to make such a big purchase without experiencing the insert first hand. This web site is awesome and I'm counting on you "guys" to save me from a really bad mistake that i'll live to, perhaps, regret. Fortunately, my husband is very forgiving! Thanks
(sorry this is so long - good thing i'm not allowed to talk on here!)
I adjusted the air down a bit after it was burning well, and it burned for hours and hours. SO easy!
