Jotul 550 Install next Saturday!!

[rkofler]

Well, it's finally my turn to thank everyone here. After reading all of the fine reviews and comments on this site, I made my decision to buy a Jotul 550 insert. In years past I burned about a half cord or so in my fireplace. When I saw the price of oil this year I finally decided either I am not using the fireplace anymore, or I am getting an insert. I refuse to heat the skies any longer! I ordered it about a month ago and I just got the call that it will be in next week. Scheduled a Saturday install so I can be here to "supervise". I think I know what to look for now, thanks to all of you!
I know how much everyone likes pictures, so here is my before. I will be back next weekend with some afters.

 

[tomWright]

Good luck. The Jotul 550 Rockland is the insert I have. It can produce a lot of heat. Heck, I have it burning right now

 

[Jaugust124]

Just starting my second season with mine and it has performed very well for me. Has definitely helped me reduce my oil bill. I think you picked a winner. If you haven't done so already, do a search for the 550 tips thread. Last I knew it was about 25 pages long, but there's lots of great information in there. Best of luck!

 

[argus66]

paint the brick now before stove arrives.

 

[mcollect]

This is our third year burning a 550 and the learning curve is leveling out. It heats our home of 2000 sq/ft great. The heat is set on 65 and we're at 70'. We have over 100 windows and 16' ceilings. Before the 550 we were always cols, in floor heat and it couldn't keep up. Seasoned wood is the secret Start with a good bed of coals, no fan and then add small splits, gradually add bigger splits and only then shut down the air. The load only lasts about 6 hours and I wake at night to reload and never wait to shut down the air but leave the door ajar for about 10 minutes to get a good flame and it is good until awake. you will never regret the purchase of this stove.

 

[tomWright]

Well, my post was edited. I guess we can't mention specific local companies. I sent you an email with their info if you still need a recommendation.

 

[tomWright]

This is our third year burning a 550 and the learning curve is leveling out. It heats our home of 2000 sq/ft great. The heat is set on 65 and we're at 70'. We have over 100 windows and 16' ceilings. Before the 550 we were always cols, in floor heat and it couldn't keep up. Seasoned wood is the secret Start with a good bed of coals, no fan and then add small splits, gradually add bigger splits and only then shut down the air. The load only lasts about 6 hours and I wake at night to reload and never wait to shut down the air but leave the door ajar for about 10 minutes to get a good flame and it is good until awake. you will never regret the purchase of this stove.

Basically this.

But I can get an overnight burn of about 8 hours, if I pack the 550 properly, but seasoned hard wood is very important. If I use oak, maple and black birch, which is what I mostly have, I can manage that. If I used a conifer, like pine, no go.