This is my first post here and I just wanted to share some things that may help someone else considering the move from coal to wood pellet. I had a 72K BTU model Harman TLC-2000 (burns coal/wood) manual feed stove/no blower and my main reasons for moving to a pellet model was to cut down on ash, 'black' dust, constant loading and occasional restart of the coal stove (not fun)
My reason for going with the P68 is that it has the closest BTU rating to what I had (68K vs 72K) The coal stove put off a more radiant heat - sometimes hotter than hell and damnation it seemed! The P68 has of course a more convection type heat with the blower - still hot mind you. I have a 1700 sq. foot ranch home and both stoves are overkill but I'd rather have more than not enough - I considered the XXV and liked it alot and if it had been a 60K BTU model I likely would have gotten it - the blower is better/quieter than the P68 and it looks a nicer than the 'stock' black P68 with no trim - but in the end the P68's extra BTU's won out.
This past winter my home used to stay 75-80 on most cold days (mostly set at 1/2 - 3/4 air control) and around 70-75 at night (mostly set at 1/3-1/2 air control). My first thought based on the early use of the P68 is that those numbers will be lower but still comfortable. I started out in Room mode but am now trying the Stove mode as some do here - come Nov./Dec. I will have a better idea of how the P68 will work for me but I'd say to anyone considering the coal to pellet move that if you want the best 'brute' heat and don't mind the dust and maintenance of a coal stove then it's hard to beat - cost/BTU is also lower - however if you want a good 'comfortable' heat and less work stove then pellet is a 'good' alternative. I'll repost as my experience with the P68 grows and I can draw more conclusions.
My reason for going with the P68 is that it has the closest BTU rating to what I had (68K vs 72K) The coal stove put off a more radiant heat - sometimes hotter than hell and damnation it seemed! The P68 has of course a more convection type heat with the blower - still hot mind you. I have a 1700 sq. foot ranch home and both stoves are overkill but I'd rather have more than not enough - I considered the XXV and liked it alot and if it had been a 60K BTU model I likely would have gotten it - the blower is better/quieter than the P68 and it looks a nicer than the 'stock' black P68 with no trim - but in the end the P68's extra BTU's won out.
This past winter my home used to stay 75-80 on most cold days (mostly set at 1/2 - 3/4 air control) and around 70-75 at night (mostly set at 1/3-1/2 air control). My first thought based on the early use of the P68 is that those numbers will be lower but still comfortable. I started out in Room mode but am now trying the Stove mode as some do here - come Nov./Dec. I will have a better idea of how the P68 will work for me but I'd say to anyone considering the coal to pellet move that if you want the best 'brute' heat and don't mind the dust and maintenance of a coal stove then it's hard to beat - cost/BTU is also lower - however if you want a good 'comfortable' heat and less work stove then pellet is a 'good' alternative. I'll repost as my experience with the P68 grows and I can draw more conclusions.
