Basement Woodstove Options

[Sears303]

I have spent a few weeks browsing the info here as well as asking a chimney sweep friend as much as I can.

I plan to install wood stove in my basement, partially finished. There is already access and this is a backup heat option should power be out long term. Or, supplemental heat during extreme cold snaps. We only have a direct vent propane heater currently. The area of the basement is closed off from the other half, has ceiling insulation, and drywall over the block foundation. This section is the area that is underground.

Over time, I plan to possibly remove the drywall, put up foam board, then reinstall the drywall. I understand the loss of heat and all that. But, being somewhat paranoid of a grid down situation, I want to get the wood stove installed first, then chip away at improving the insulation overall.

My main question here, is preference in the wood stove itself. To heat the room above the room containing the wood stove is my main goal, when absolutely necessary. Is there a size, style or anything that I should focus on, or stay away from? Thanks!

 

[kborndale]

If the ceiling is insulated there won't be much heat going to the room above it.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

It doesn’t even have to be an insulated sealing. I found a little layer of foam, maybe a quarter inch max, under my floating kitchen floor made a big difference.

 

[stoveliker]

I think things (what stove) depend more on the chimney situation.and on how sealed the home is upstairs than on stove model.

Describe the chimney set up? Elbows, height, inside or outside etc.

If the upper floors are poorly air sealed, warm air will escape there, just like how a chimney works The result is that the basement will have a lower pressure, and one can get smoke roll out there. Can - not guaranteed.

To get heat up,.the best would be an air circuit, warm air going up needs to be replaced by cooler air coming down. If that goes thru the same path (stairs), you'll get mixing there and less warmth going up. But making another penetration may require some specific things by fire safety building code .