Hello - I’m hoping to get some opinions on installing either an insert or a free standing wood stove for a home we purchased this December. It’s been a cold start to our winter here in Vermont and we’ve decided to move forward with putting in another primary heating source after recovering from the shock of how much propane we’ve used already! Last night I was leaning towards an Osburn 2400 but now we’ve been told to consider a free standing by neighbors.
The house is just under 3,000 square feet – finished basement with 2 additional stories - cathedral ceilings in the entry way then 12 foot ceilings throughout the rest of the house. Very open with 3 ceiling fans on main level and 4 on upper level. None in the basement.
We have a two fireplaces and the chimney runs along the exterior of the house. Both have a height clearance of 34” . I forgot to measure the hearth extension this morning but I have a picture here. My first question is - where should we put it? The basement fireplace or the main floor? The second is should we purchase a free standing stove or an insert. Slashing our propane bill is the most important thing then space and aesthetics is second. I’ve never considered a wood stove until a few days ago so please pardon if I’m leaving out information that would be needed to answer these questions. Any personal experiences and opinions would be greatly appreciated! Many of our friends have told use a free standing stove is the way to go, but none of them have put them in an existing fireplace.
The house is just under 3,000 square feet – finished basement with 2 additional stories - cathedral ceilings in the entry way then 12 foot ceilings throughout the rest of the house. Very open with 3 ceiling fans on main level and 4 on upper level. None in the basement.
We have a two fireplaces and the chimney runs along the exterior of the house. Both have a height clearance of 34” . I forgot to measure the hearth extension this morning but I have a picture here. My first question is - where should we put it? The basement fireplace or the main floor? The second is should we purchase a free standing stove or an insert. Slashing our propane bill is the most important thing then space and aesthetics is second. I’ve never considered a wood stove until a few days ago so please pardon if I’m leaving out information that would be needed to answer these questions. Any personal experiences and opinions would be greatly appreciated! Many of our friends have told use a free standing stove is the way to go, but none of them have put them in an existing fireplace.