Hello everyone. I've decided on a Jutol insert. Now the great decision is to get the Kennebec or the Rockland. I have 1200 sqft 60 ranch with an open floor plan. I know the kennebec would far well but I'm planning on adding sqft somewhere down the road and figure the rockland would be a better choice. This will be my first winter in the house. I feel the house prob isn't insulated well because of age. My question is will the roackland be too big. I was told by the dealer it would be fine and suggested that if I was to add sqft then prob the bigger would be better . Does anyone have experience with working with a larger stove in a smaller floor plan?
Jotul C550
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A common phrase here is that you can always make a smaller fire in a larger stove but not vice versa. If you don't need the full capacity of the Rockland then load less wood to make smaller fires and/or reload it less often. Nevertheless, make sure that the wood is dry with an internal moisture content of 20 % or less. Usually that means it has to be split and stacked for 1 to 3 years depending on the tree species in a sunny and windy spot. Although firewood sellers often advertise "seasoned firewood" it rarely is as many members here needed to realize.
Make sure to get a full liner installed; an insulated one is highly recommended. Get also a block-off plate to keep the heat in the house: https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/
A common phrase here is that you can always make a smaller fire in a larger stove but not vice versa. If you don't need the full capacity of the Rockland then load less wood to make smaller fires and/or reload it less often. Nevertheless, make sure that the wood is dry with an internal moisture content of 20 % or less. Usually that means it has to be split and stacked for 1 to 3 years depending on the tree species in a sunny and windy spot. Although firewood sellers often advertise "seasoned firewood" it rarely is as many members here needed to realize.
Make sure to get a full liner installed; an insulated one is highly recommended. Get also a block-off plate to keep the heat in the house: https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/
My dad has had the Jotul 550 for 3 years now and it has been a huge, under-performing let down.
rkofler
Burning Hunk
I have the 550 heating my 2,300 sq. ft. ranch for 3 winters now. My oil consumption has been cut by more than half and my house is much warmer than it would be if I only heated with oil.
If I were you I would probably go with the 550, especially since you say you will be adding square footage. I will warn that making small fires is not as easy as it sounds. This thing likes to burn hot with a lot of fuel. You might just have to open a window, or reload less frequently.
If I were you I would probably go with the 550, especially since you say you will be adding square footage. I will warn that making small fires is not as easy as it sounds. This thing likes to burn hot with a lot of fuel. You might just have to open a window, or reload less frequently.
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