ok first id like to say what a awesome wood burners forum. lots n lots of good info on here!! i have been burning wood for six winters now, learned alot since that first year. i recently bought a house was built in early 70s has a huge chimney from the basement straight up and out connected downstairs is a newmac woodfurnace dont know the year but its old and missing the thermostatically controlled draft fan on the front. there is a 3" opening on the bottom i use to let air in and not smother the fire. now i know i need the draft fan but i have gone through proably 5 cords of wood so far this year and its on febuary. so my question is will this unti perform better with the fan? more efficiant? or should i steer clear from newmac and pick up a englander wood furnace or another brand?? any info u guys can give me will be very helpful as i am hoping to have some wood left over. all wood has been css for 1 year its hard and soft maple thats allwe got arpund here. also house is insulated probaby not as well as it could have been but o well. agian thanks in advance