We've been burning an add-on wood furnace for a few years now and are quite pleased with it. But, last fall I started a new schedule that has me gone overnight twice a week. My wife generally does a good job with the furnace, but her schedule has changed a bit, too. On the days that I am out of town she has to get our two young children(5 and 8) up at 5:30 am and out the door. She doesn't always have a chance to tend to the fire. For convenience, and her sanity, we've been talking about burning pellets on those days. We would still be burning wood the days that I am home, which is most of five days a week (it's a pretty sweet schedule ;-)). It's either this or I'm going to have to get the LP furnace fixed/replaced.
We have a masonry fireplace in our living room that would be a good location for an insert. We have a ranch home of about 1600 sq ft, with a very open living area/kitchen/dining room that totals around 1000 sq ft., with a short hallway to three bedrooms. Insulation is average for the early 70s, and the drafty front and back doors are getting replaced before next winter. This fireplace is in ok condition, and I would probably be comfortable with a fire in it. But the chimney is definitely not safe. I'm assuming the chimney would be blocked off and the insert vented directly out the back?
I know next to nothing about pellet stoves. I do know they require some regular maintenance and part replacement. That's not a big deal. Looks aren't super important. Looking for ease of operation and dependability. I would also like multi fuel capability. Cost is a bit of a factor, but I'm not afraid to pay for quality. What should I look for, and what should I stay away from? Please include your favorite brands, and why.
We have a masonry fireplace in our living room that would be a good location for an insert. We have a ranch home of about 1600 sq ft, with a very open living area/kitchen/dining room that totals around 1000 sq ft., with a short hallway to three bedrooms. Insulation is average for the early 70s, and the drafty front and back doors are getting replaced before next winter. This fireplace is in ok condition, and I would probably be comfortable with a fire in it. But the chimney is definitely not safe. I'm assuming the chimney would be blocked off and the insert vented directly out the back?
I know next to nothing about pellet stoves. I do know they require some regular maintenance and part replacement. That's not a big deal. Looks aren't super important. Looking for ease of operation and dependability. I would also like multi fuel capability. Cost is a bit of a factor, but I'm not afraid to pay for quality. What should I look for, and what should I stay away from? Please include your favorite brands, and why.