Need some opinions

[jayman81]

Hi Everyone,

I've posted on here a few times and read plenty of posts to come up with some options to supplement my propane heating with something more cost effective. I originally looked at a basement pellet stove, then a furnace, back to basement pellet stove.

Basement Pellet Stove - I don't want to spend the money and not get the results I want. Some on hear have success, others don't. Most agree it can be a pain in the behind.

Furnace - too expensive and insurance companies in my area are hesitant to insure.



So I think I've listed to reason on here and I'm now considering taking that large basement stove option, and turning it into two smaller stoves on each level of my home. My home is a raised ranch, fully insulated on both levels. My guesstimate on square footage puts the home at around 1100 square feet on each level. Home is also open concept, built 2006 - well insulated.

My thoughts are the P38 - any other suggestions? P38 doesn't have auto ignition but that isn't a show stopper. Do you think this little guy can handle 1100 square feet without having to run it on high or should I consider the P43? Also considering other manufacturers such as Enviro.

Thanks!

 

[Ctcarl]

I had horrible luck with a enviro I had .My Harman p35i is doing fine on a 1800 split level.Good luck on your choice.

 

[Don2222]

Hello
I had super good luck with my basement Harmy1, but it took some very careful planning and a little engineering!
See pics and info!

Harman P61a Cellar Dweller pumping up the heat with a remote room probe -- Success
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/harman-p61a-cellar-dweller-pumping-up-the-heat-with-a-remote-room-probe-success.120545/

 

[MCPO]

1100 sq ft is no problem for the P-38 0r P43. Actually a piece of cake for that stove.
The P-38 is capable of heating 2200 well insulated sq ft with standard height ceilings if you run it on higher settings . I`m doing it (basement AND 1st floor) for the most part of the heating season , but it`s a stretch and a struggle when it dips below 0. Sometimes (often this year) I need the furnace to kick on .

 

[mikkeeh]

I used a P43 for 2 seasons in my basement. Basement has 2 finished rooms that are only used occasionally. Basement walls are not insulated. House was built on 2006, raised ranch, open stairwell, about 1300sqft. Stove was on the west wall (short wall) , near to stairs. It did a good job using it as the primary source of heat. I have an electric heat pump that I use when it is reasonably >40..warm. Propane furnace as primary. This year I moved the P43 to up to the living area. Primarily because I like the ambience of the stove. Uses significantly less pellets......however the basement stays cold. Since I use the rooms in the basement only occasionally, I heat them with electic space heaters when needed. On the coldes days the basement stays about 53 or so. Hope this helps.

 

[jayman81]

I used a P43 for 2 seasons in my basement. Basement has 2 finished rooms that are only used occasionally. Basement walls are not insulated. House was built on 2006, raised ranch, open stairwell, about 1300sqft. Stove was on the west wall (short wall) , near to stairs. It did a good job using it as the primary source of heat. I have an electric heat pump that I use when it is reasonably >40..warm. Propane furnace as primary. This year I moved the P43 to up to the living area. Primarily because I like the ambience of the stove. Uses significantly less pellets......however the basement stays cold. Since I use the rooms in the basement only occasionally, I heat them with electic space heaters when needed. On the coldes days the basement stays about 53 or so. Hope this helps.

Yes it does. I will be using the basement so that's why I'm looking at two stoves. One big stove in the basement may work but not if its 80 degrees plus. Thanks for the input.