Pellet Stove Recommendations

[derekg123]

Hi Guys,

I've been reseaching for quite some time on what to do with my home heating and found this fourm to be the best- and the experts. I appreciate any replies and input you each may have!

I'd like some recommendations on BTU's and stove placement for my particular home.

Background:
Here is the floor diagram for my split level ranch:

The home was built in 2006, so insulation and windows are not a problem. However, there are 15 foot cathedral ceilings in the living room and master bedroom. The fans in the rooms with cathedral ceilings have fans in reverse during the winter. The basement is finished. The red square indicates where I would like to install the pellet stove, above this on the main floor is a fireplace which I would rather not give up. I suppose I would vent the pellet stove out the wall in the basement. The floor plan is approximate, however, it is an open plan. The current heating is oil in a hydro air system with ducts in the attic. The drawings are not to scale but you should get the idea.

I'd like to purchase a pellet stove that would provide heat to the living room, kitchen, and dining area to at least 70 degrees and other rooms at an ambient temperature ~65+

Placement:
After researching, I'm aware that basements are not the ideal location, but I think I can make it work. The heat definitely does rise in this current floor plan. My thoughts were to potentially install an AireShare Level-to-Level in the basement ceiling / main floor: http://tjernlund.com/retail/aireshare.htm, if this can be installed to code.
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I'm looking for BTU, placement, and brand recommendations. What I thought I needed based on the research: 45,000 BTU+, and best if placed in the main floor, but again, I think I can make it work in the basement, with brand preference of a Harman.

I was offered a Harman 38+ (rated as 38k BTU, but up to 43k BTU in turbo mode) which is 5 years old, along with the necessary piping and 1/2 ton of pellets for $1000; what do you guys think? Will this get the job done?

Sorry for all of the verbiage, but I wanted to make sure I have all the info that you may need to help me out. Thanks a lot guys I appreciate the help and look forward to figuring out how to heat this place!

Derek

 

[Joe and Kelly Tomeno]

I think you need more than the P38..I have one and I only need to heat 1400 sqft...Go Harman go bigger model....or maybe 2 stoves?? 1 in family room and 1 in living room? Just a thought..good luck.

 

[3500P]

I have a magnum countryside 3500p. As far as I know its the only one with an automatic pot stirrer. I believe its 52000+ btus. I heat 2600 sq ft ranch with unfinished basement. I have mine in my basement with a multi fuel oak. Guy I bought it off of was selling them for $1200 last year. He's asking $2k this year on eBay.

 

[derekg123]

I was eyeballing the P68 originally, but I haven't been able to find any on craigslist (yet)... The P38+ offer came from a coworker's neighbor who was fairly confident it could heat my space. Thanks for the help! I will have to keep scoping Craigslist I think. I'd rather not give up the fireplace in the main floor, but it may come to removing the fireplace insert and putting in a pellet stove in that location.

 

[imacman]

I have a magnum countryside 3500p. As far as I know its the only one with an automatic pot stirrer.....

It may be the only Magnum model w/ a stirrer, but it is NOT the only stove made with one....there are many on the market.

 

[thedude110]

Seems to me it's best to get more stove than you need -- you can always turn it down, but you can't turn up a maxed stove. I agree that a P68 might be better in this setup, esp to move heat btw floors.

If the FP is functional/more than just decorative, I'd put an insert in it-- it's your best location.

 

[Joe and Kelly Tomeno]

What part of US are you at?
Also,
Is it an older or newer model P38+?

 

[derekg123]

I'm in Central Massachusetts. The P38+ is 5 years old.

 

[MCPO]

The P-38 might do a good job "AS" a supplementary heat source, however I think you`ll be running it flat out on high trying to heat all that space especially with cathedral ceilings and installed in the lower level as proposed.

 

[derekg123]

If installed on the main floor do you suppose it would be sufficient to heating that area ~70? I'd rather not install it on the main floor, but it may be worth it overall to purchase the P38+ vs all the work involved with installing it in the basement for a sub-par heating job.

 

[Jack Morrissey]

One upstairs, and another downstairs would be best. Ive got an insert upstairs and been thinking about getting a smaller ps stove for the downstairs but we don't use the space downstairs as much anymore.

 

[Bioburner]

I have a house plan close to yours and I don't think a P38 would do. Close yes. my stove is in the basement but with the stove facing the stairs helping move the stoves fan move the heat upstairs naturally and a small fan to keep the heat moving when it is idleing. May well be the best to start with the P38 in the basement and keep an eye out for a nice stove to install upstairs. I see some very nice stoves coming up on CL everyday now. Two Accentras now going for around 2k that are 3 years old. Some fancy new itailans for about 2200. The clearance is on. Good luck

 

[Bioburner]

I have a magnum countryside 3500p. As far as I know its the only one with an automatic pot stirrer. I believe its 52000+ btus. I heat 2600 sq ft ranch with unfinished basement. I have mine in my basement with a multi fuel oak. Guy I bought it off of was selling them for $1200 last year. He's asking $2k this year on eBay.

AES was the first true corn stove. Northstar, and USSC 6039-41 pretty close knock offs. They have not had any real tech improvements since original design in early 80s They really need a better heat exchange sytem and way to clean easier. Most of the ones I've serviced are filled with ash in the back panel thats a PIA to get to.

 

[silverfox103]

I have both a Harmon P38 and a P68.

The P-38 might do a good job "AS" a supplementary heat source, however I think you`ll be running it flat out on high trying to heat all that space especially with cathedral ceilings and installed in the lower level as proposed.

The "Chief" hit the nail on the head. It would be good for a supplemental heat source. That's exactly how we use ours. We have a 2300 sq. ft. "L" shapped ranch. We have the P38 down at the end furthest from the P68.

Thinking out loud, where you have a split level, I'm wondering if you did have the stove in the bottom level, with the open stairwell, the heat may flow right into the first floor, doing a good job. You would definitely need the P68 down there doing it that way. Maybe someone who has a split level will pop in. Or as has been suggested, one in the basement and one in the upper level.

I mean this in a good way but, I think you're trying to make the P38 work for your situation, when it really is not a good fit.

Tom C.

 

[derekg123]

I figured that I was going to need a P68 if I went the basement route. Which would probably make the basement very uncomfortable. What do you guys think would be a good model for JUST the main level? The basement isn't used much at all so I can rely on the oil heat for down there when necessary, but if I were to get a pellet stove in place of the current fire place insert, what do you think I would need in terms of BTUs?

 

[silverfox103]

I figured that I was going to need a P68 if I went the basement route. Which would probably make the basement very uncomfortable.

I'm not too sure about that, all the heat from the basement will funnel to the upper level.

I were to get a pellet stove in place of the current fire place insert, what do you think I would need in terms of BTUs?

I don't know the Harman insert model #'s, but you need a stove the size of the P68.

Tom C.

 

[Snowy Rivers]

Two stoves of mid size will likely be your best bet.

One down in the lower level thats large enough to heat the entire home is gonna roast you out of the family room.
A medium sized stove in the front corner of the living room would take care of the upstairs.

With two stoves, you can better manage the heating needs.

We have 3 stoves on one level of 2300 SF ranch style home.

Keep us posted

Snowy

 

[3500P]

AES was the first true corn stove. Northstar, and USSC 6039-41 pretty close knock offs. They have not had any real tech improvements since original design in early 80s They really need a better heat exchange sytem and way to clean easier. Most of the ones I've serviced are filled with ash in the back panel thats a PIA to get to.

I clean it once a week or so and know what you mean about the back ash. I just pop the inserts out and use the vacuum mode on the leaf blower and run the hose outside. A lot easier than trying to knock the ash down although I just bent a long screwdriver before the leaf blower and opened the slides and knocked it down to the ash box.

 

[Chain]

Two stoves of mid size will likely be your best bet.

One down in the lower level thats large enough to heat the entire home is gonna roast you out of the family room.
A medium sized stove in the front corner of the living room would take care of the upstairs.

With two stoves, you can better manage the heating needs.

We have 3 stoves on one level of 2300 SF ranch style home.

Keep us posted

Snowy

I would agree with this suggestion. Maybe pick up the used P38 and install it in the basement for a complete heating season and see if you like it. If you dig it and can afford a second stove, buy another new or used stove for the first floor living room that is capable of heating first floor and loft. In addition, having these two stoves can be a bit comforting in case one is having issues the other can act as as backup for a short time should you need it to.

 

[derekg123]

Good call. Perhaps I'll purchase the Harman P38+ and plop it in the basement and keep checking craigslist for a nice midsized insert. Is the consensus that if I have two midsized stoves I could get the main living area (kitchen, dining, and living) up to 70? Thanks for all of the input thus far, everyone!

 

[Chain]

Personally I'd probably go with a slightly larger than mid-size stove for your main area if you went with two stoves. Like for instance a 50,000 minimum BTU stove for your first floor. Like a Harman XXV or even a Harman P61A.....Even used if you can find one. But I think you could get by with a second mid-size should you find a good deal on one.