Keep K-1 Monitor or switch to Pellet stove

[Rochev]

I have a kerosene monitor hooked up to a 500 gallon oil tank. While kerosene is a lot more expensive than pellets, it seems to last a long time. The monitor has been set to around 60 degrees all winter with outside temps varying from 0-45.

I started this season with 1/4 tank in November and it hasn't gone down much, though I'd rather have the heat set at 70.

Would it make more sense to keep the monitor or spend 1500+ on a pellet stove to go in it's place? Cost wise, not preference wise. I can't figure out what the best option is.

 

[EbS-P]

I would keep the monitor and add a heatpump if you don’t have one. 2000$ buys a lot of oil. Then you have to add pellet cost. I would see the monitor as a secondary heat source to the heatpump when it get really cold. Heatpump incentives are good. But they really should have a supplemental heat for days like today and tomorrow.

Just my two cents.

 

[Rochev]

A heat pump would be great. Maybe next year I will be in a position to have one installed and use the pellet and monitor stove as a backup.

 

[Don2222]

Hello
I would buy a good used pellet stove from craigslist or Facebook market place! A new stove is like a new car, as soon as you drive it off the lot it becomes used and loses half of it’s value!!
I purchased all four of my stoves that way and paid the same price as 1 new one!!
Sometimes you can get free venting and floor pad with it too! 😅
Just my 2 cents.

 

[Rochev]

Just got a working Englander stove in good shape for $165. Plus U-Haul expenses. Still a great deal. Will get the wall kit and attempt installing myself. There's already a hole through the wall for the monitor that seems to be the same size as the exhaust I need.

But we'll see how similar it really is when I'm good and ready to install.

 

[peakbagger]

The Monitor replacement Toyostove can burn low sulfur heating oil.