Help advising friend with stove selection!

[CtPaul]

Hi guys,
I need a little help giving advise to a friend of mine. He has an 1800 sqft raised ranch in CT. I'm guessing 70's-80's era insulation. He wants to replace an old wood stove that is located on the lower level of his house. He is in the market for a free stander with a low price point. I told him to consider reliability and parts availability . I suggested the Englander brand based on comments I have read on the boards. I'm looking for advice on other brands to consider. Or any comments / tips that may help in his search. I told him about all the info on this board but he isn't forum savvy
Thanks in advance!

 

[Bioburner]

How large of a wood stove is he feeding now? A push to upgrade the insulation is the fastest payback in home heating.

 

[CtPaul]

Bio I agreed insulation will give the best ROI.
I'm not sure what wood burner he is using. I will check it out.

 

[jtakeman]

Hi guys,
I need a little help giving advise to a friend of mine. He has an 1800 sqft raised ranch in CT. I'm guessing 70's-80's era insulation. He wants to replace an old wood stove that is located on the lower level of his house. He is in the market for a free stander with a low price point. I told him to consider reliability and parts availability . I suggested the Englander brand based on comments I have read on the boards. I'm looking for advice on other brands to consider. Or any comments / tips that may help in his search. I told him about all the info on this board but he isn't forum savvy
Thanks in advance!

IMHO the Englander line doesn't have a stove with enough power. Gonna need a big stove to fill the need here. Preferable one that will duct some of the heat upstairs. Enviro Maxx/Maxx M, VistaFlame VF-170, Drolet Eco -65 or the Enerzone Euromax. The Drolet gets my vote due to its economical(AKA cheap) price. Otherwise I'd steer him toward a furnace like the Fahrenheit Technologies Endurance Or St Croix Revolution.

Whats his present heating system?