snidley whiplash said:
The insert sounds good any suggestions as to what to look for ? Also good brands.
Most here, in their signature, have stove type/brand.
You see why one brand is hard to say is better, It is more personal preference. If you just ask me, I'd say a Blaze King catalytic with a blower.
Some of the high efficient stoves qualify for federal tax credits (some state have incentives too)
Do you have a wood stove store near you? Questions about the flue liner, flue size etc. may be critical to the stove type you choose. Ask them lots of questions to get more familiar with stove & the stove dealership. They should know the stove/chimney codes for your area. Northern Illinois should have a few. Have the dimensions & info about the chimney you have now.
Then you can come home & look online & post here for opinions, experience with types etc.
See what they have, may have more than one brad to choose from. Being able to see & touch really helps. Get the specs & $$ of each. Then you can post with a few stove options.
I believe a fan is very important, even more so with an insert.
Be getting some wood & getting it dry, at least 1 year of split, stacked off the ground. (Oak 2 to 3 years for it to season & burn well) The new EPA stoves have to have real dry wood to burn in the specs of the stove.
Depending on you set up, you may even be able to/want to, put a wood stove in, instead of an insert.
You have options. Narrow them down then let the folks here give you pros & cons & some good facts.
Either way, you'll heat up the area you are trying to heat & save lots on your heating bills. Which pays you back every year from here on out. (heat, even when power is out)
Good luck.
Oh
& Welcome. Good place to start for sure. Lots of good folks & great information here.