This past summer we purchased an old farmhouse with two woodstoves. The house is a cape. There is a Fisher Mama Bear in the basement and a Quadrafire 3100 on the first floor. The previous owners said they heated mainly with the Mama Bear, and only used the Quadrafire when it was really cold. Being first time wood burners we decided to try that. After a while I realized I was either over firing or smoldering with the Fisher. I just couldn't get it right. I really got the hang of the Quadrafire however and found it much easier to operate. I feared it was too small for our 1800 square feet but it does fine down to about 15 degrees F. I do have to reload overnight, as a burn cycle is 4-5 hours. I have been using the Fisher only on nights in the single digits or below, which has happened unusually often this year in Western Massachusetts.
There is a possibility that we will get a voucher of $750 towards a new EPA stove if we trade in the Fisher. I am wondering what stove would be best, and how our choice might impact our heating strategy. We will probably use about seven cords of wood this year, which seems like a lot. Maybe if we purchase the right stove for the basement we will use less wood. Another option would be to replace the Quadrafire with a larger more efficient stove and not have a stove in the basement at all. So, there are lots of options and I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.
There is a possibility that we will get a voucher of $750 towards a new EPA stove if we trade in the Fisher. I am wondering what stove would be best, and how our choice might impact our heating strategy. We will probably use about seven cords of wood this year, which seems like a lot. Maybe if we purchase the right stove for the basement we will use less wood. Another option would be to replace the Quadrafire with a larger more efficient stove and not have a stove in the basement at all. So, there are lots of options and I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.
