1992 Lopi Answer

[DonnaK]

We are considering purchasing a Lopi Answer built in 1992 for our 400sqft yurt and are wondering if anyone has any advice about this stove. It has blowers, but there's no electricity in the yurt, so we would operate the stove without the blowers. Thanks!

 

[begreen]

It will be ok without a blower. How large a yurt and how well insulated? Will this be for occasional use or 24/7 all winter heating? If the latter, the stove may be undersized for the task.

 

[DonnaK]

Thanks, we took a look at the Lopi and decided that we didn't want it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[begreen]

Good call. A Lopi Endeavor probably would be a better fit.

 

[DonnaK]

It will be ok without a blower. How large a yurt and how well insulated? Will this be for occasional use or 24/7 all winter heating? If the latter, the stove may be undersized for the task.

The yurt is 400sqft and insulated. We would like a stove that can hold a fire overnight, but are more concerned with cost. We are in Boise, Idaho which is fairly temperate but temps can drop to 0-10 degrees.
Thanks

 

[begreen]

Unfortunately, most yurts are not very well insulated. Our friends in northern WA have a 32' Rainier yurt that is heated by a Morso 2110. It is barely enough when the temps get below freezing and the fire needs to be reloaded every few hours. The Answer would do a little better. The other caveat with yurts is the short chimney. Many stoves perform poorly with less than a 15' straight up chimney. The Answer is specced out for a 15' chimney. Our friend's yurt vents out the side to a 12' chimney. This is barely adequate for the Morso. It spills smoke if you are not a careful fire builder.

If this were my yurt I would be considering a Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 or Super. These stoves are more forgiving of shorter chimney systems and work well with a partial load of fuel. They also will provide an overnight fire on softwood. If the budget is tight, look at the True North TN20. It will also work on a shorter chimney system (12').

 

[DonnaK]

Wow! Thanks so much for the information. Our yurt is a 24 ft Pacific Yurt. The floor, roof and walls are all insulated but certainly not as well as a house.

 

[begreen]

Yes, the average yurt insulation is typically just foil-covered bubble wrap. Compare that to 3-4 layers of yak felt wrapping a Mongolian yurt. If you have done more it will definitely help.

 

[DonnaK]

Yes, the average yurt insulation is typically just foil-covered bubble wrap. Compare that to 3-4 layers of yak felt wrapping a Mongolian yurt. If you have done more it will definitely help.

Well, we don't have 3-4 layers of yak felt wrapping (LOL), but the sides are insulated with 1" plastic backed fiberglass covered with Army blankets, the floor is installed with fiberglass batting.

I found a used Pacific Energy Super 27 that I am going to look at today. Is there anything specific I should be looking for? Thanks! Donna

 

[begreen]

Well, we don't have 3-4 layers of yak felt wrapping (LOL), but the sides are insulated with 1" plastic backed fiberglass covered with Army blankets, the floor is installed with fiberglass batting.

I found a used Pacific Energy Super 27 that I am going to look at today. Is there anything specific I should be looking for? Thanks! Donna

Good deal. Your yurt is better insulated than our friend's yurt is. Be sure to seal in the floor insulation with a vermin an critter-proof barrier. They love to nest in it and steel it for nesting material elsewhere.
The Super 27 is a great stove for a yurt. Look for signs of abuse and overfiring. Look for greyed paint, baffle warpage, badly cracked bricks and any cracked welds. Post some pictures here if possible.

 

[DonnaK]

I finally drove North 60 miles to see the Pacific Energy Super 27. I will attach some photos. I think it looks in pretty good shape, but I am wondering if some of the control rods are missing and 2 of the fire bricks are broken. It's an older model but they are only asking $200 for it. There is a Pacific Energy dealer here in Boise.

 

[begreen]

That looks to be in decent shape. The cracked bricks are not an issue. For $200 it's a bargain and a good find.