Hello all new member here just stumbled onto this GREAT site researching Bio bricks. We just recently finished a 2600sqft cape (the 2600 is actual living space), I installed a condensing boiler LP fired Baseboard hot water, and a Hampton fireplace insert. We absolutely love the insert it is very pleasing to the eye ( it is in the center of our home ) and heats the home pretty good, although we have not had any sustained cold to date this fall. My question is that I am pondering putting a woodstove in the basement to keep the boiler at bay most of the time, will this be a worthy investment? How would one recommend I get the heat up through the house? The ceiling of the basement has R-19 on it and there is nothing on the walls of the basement inside or out. Any suggestions? I was also contemplating a pellet stove, my thoughts being fill the hopper and forget about it.
I am currently setup with wiring,plumbing and a dual coil 80 gallon water tank for solar hot water I also plan ( future ) to install a woodboiler but right now $$$$ is a problem. My thoughts were to buy an inexpensive stove for the basement. But while were on the subject what woodboilers should I focus on for my needs?