Sorta new to wood stoves

[fpsbrian]

Just bought our first home 2 years ago, I knew nothing about wood stoves. One of the main things we wanted in a house is two sources of heat! I've been learning as much as I can,
and burning as much as I can... I love it, and can't believe the heat this thing puts out! I put a little work into it as well, not much


Now we are getting ready to upgrade, looking at a Jotul F500 and kinda wondering how it will match up?

 

[claydogg84]

I'm not familiar with your current stove but I do have the F500. It heats my 2,000 sq ft raised ranch fairly well all winter long. The biggest difference between the older stoves and the new EPA secondary combustion style stoves is the need for really dry wood. The quality of the wood you're using will really be the main factor on whether the switch is going to work for you. What's wrong with the old stove that is making you consider the upgrade?

 

[Ashful]

Square footage, layout, insulation? F500 is a very good mid-size stove. You won't find many complaints about them.

 

[Grisu]

Nothing wrong with getting a more efficient stove. Just as claydogg mentioned: Make sure to get your wood under 20% of internal moisture.

In addition to Ashful's questions: What is the height and dimensions of your wall thimble? Did you check whether the flue outlet of the F500 is not too high up from the hearth? What kind of flue do you have currently: 6", 8" or is the chimney unlined?

 

[begreen]

Moving to the main forum. This sounds like it is more about upgrading to a modern stove (good plan!).

 

[bunfoolio]

I also have the F500 Oslo. It has worked out great for me. Heats my 3000 sq ft home well and it looks nice.

 

[Woody Stover]

I'm not familiar with your current stove....What's wrong with the old stove that is making you consider the upgrade?

upgrading to a modern stove (good plan!).

Looks like an old smoke-blower to me, claydogg. Probably chews through the wood like there's no tomorrow!

 

[fpsbrian]

Sorry for the late reply, its an old Atlanta stove works, model 26 it has some gaps in the corners and some had to be replaced when I got it but I've been taking care of it. It is a nice stove, I just want something that I don't feel like I have to check on.

Yeah, it seems like I go through a lot of wood with it, no way would it go longer than 3-4 hours.

It does heat my 1650sqft nice

Flue pipe is 8" the height of my pipe is 2" higher than a f500 measuring from the ground :-/ not sure what to do about that yet, I don't want an ugly S-bend pipe.

 

[claydogg84]

Sorry for the late reply, its an old Atlanta stove works, model 26 it has some gaps in the corners and some had to be replaced when I got it but I've been taking care of it. It is a nice stove, I just want something that I don't feel like I have to check on.

Yeah, it seems like I go through a lot of wood with it, no way would it go longer than 3-4 hours.

It does heat my 1650sqft nice

Flue pipe is 8" the height of my pipe is 2" higher than a f500 measuring from the ground :-/ not sure what to do about that yet, I don't want an ugly S-bend pipe.

Easily remedied by placing 1" patio blocks under each foot. How tall is the chimney? The Oslo may not like the 8" pipe, as it's supposed to be 6". My Oslo breathes through an 8", but it's oval - so the actual volume would be closer to that of a 7".

 

[fpsbrian]

I've got a two story house, with 8ft ceilings and it goes just above the peak of my roof. So it's pretty tall. I was thinking of using bricks under the legs too

 

[begreen]

If connecting the Oslo (great choice) I try it without bricks under the legs. The 2" upslope of the connector toward the liner will aid draft. It may draft ok with the 8". It's worth a try. The Oslo will want dry fuel to burn properly. Be sure the wood is well seasoned, especially if it is very dense wood like oak or hickory.

 

[fpsbrian]

I got 1.5 cords in December, but it was reading 30% so I didn't use it, so that should be ready this year!

I had nothing but bad luck with wood last year lol

 

[begreen]

I'd get at least another couple cords asap. If you can get some ash it should be ready sooner. Otherwise best to start stocking up for the following season if possible.

 

[JA600L]

Those old stoves put out a lot of heat. A newer stove with an insulated firebox might not do as well unless you get your wood supply perfected. Most of us are striving for being on a 3 year plan where you burn what you cut three years ago. The new wood stoves need approximately 1000 degrees internal to do their job. Any frustrations with wood you experienced in this stove will be amplified with a new one.