Emergency Wood Stove

[Sears303]

I am in the area that was devastated by the hurricane in the Western NC mountains. We were very lucky that it was not in a freezing cold stretch. I plan for other things such as food, water and all, but an emergency heat source after my stored gas to run my generator goes out is not covered.

I currently have a flue tied into an exterior chimney run into my basement. The basement area is about 800 sq ft, separated from the other 700 sq ft by doors. The area with the flue access is drywalled, no insulation, and insulation in the door joists. Unfinished concrete floors.

I am looking to maybe just purchase the low end $400-500 US Stove from TSC and have it hooked up by my chimney sweet friend so it is safe. Most likely running a stainless steel insert into my existing external chimney. This would literally be for my wife, dogs and I to huddle around in a real emergency. I am not trying to heat the house, and I am aware of heat loss in basements and all of this.

Is there anything I am missing that would not make this a smart purchase to simply have the ability to not freeze? This really is a SHTF set-up, not something I am trying to use all winter or anything. Looking forward to your input and thoughts.

 

[begreen]

As long as it's safely installed, it should be ok. The chimney will need to be cleaned well before installing the new stainless liner. Note that some basement installs don't draft well, inspite of a tall liner. Test draft by putting some incense or a lit cigarette near the existing flue opening and see if it draws in the smoke.

If this is for an emergeny, a reserve of dry fuel (firewood or compressed sawdust blocks) will need to be on hand. Poorly seasoned wood doesn't put out much heat and gunks up the flue quickly.

While looking, consider a Drolet stove like the Spark II or Nano or a Pleasant Hearth stove at TSC.