Stove Size and Flue Size 5K Sq Ft Multi-Story

[begreen]

I like to think we would heat entirely with wood but in reality I don't know if my time or energy will actually hold up to that.

I'll attach a floor plan of the basement. Warm air can radiate up through the floors (uninsulated) and also possibly up the U-shaped stairway(s).

Having two stoves is a new thought - I like it! But then we'd be looking at two chimneys, and I'd have to think over whether we have a good spot on the main floor for a stove...

It looks like it would be a relatively short run for the outside air at ground level. I'd plan on that. Why are the south and west walls uninsulated? Uninsulated walls are a major source of heat loss.

The heat from the basement stove will not easily get upstairs. Would it be possible to place another stove on the first floor in approximately the same location? If so, maybe 2 chimneys could be in the chase through the second floor?

 

[ShenKen]

It looks like it would be a relatively short run for the outside air at ground level. I'd plan on that. Why are the south and west walls uninsulated? Uninsulated walls are a major source of heat loss.

The heat from the basement stove will not easily get upstairs. Would it be possible to place another stove on the first floor in approximately the same location? If so, maybe 2 chimneys could be in the chase through the second floor?

So it sounds like you would be okay with the air inlet duct being exposed in the finished family room. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Would that just run along the floor, or maybe be strapped to the wall a foot or so off the floor?

Actually all the basement walls are insulated the same. Are you looking at the dark band around the front and left sides? That represents brick veneer.

Actually there might be room in the chase for two 6" chimneys. Is there any specification how close they can be to each other?

 

[EbS-P]

I see I never answered your question...

There will be one compressor and air handler for the basement and main floor. This air handler is in the basement. Then a smaller compressor for the upstairs, with an air handler in the attic. As far as multiple zones supplied by the larger compressor, I don't know how my HVAC man is setting that up.

I really wish our basement was in its own zone. With inverter variable output equipment it’s possible. I’d ask.

I’d really be leaning towards 3 zones and two stoves. Because once a stove is running, say in the basement, what if you want it warmer upstairs. Thermostat will probably be up there. You have have to add more heat to the basement. If up stairs stove is running then how do you heat the basement?

How often will this occur? Direct experience says 20 days a year. Kids basement bedrooms will get down to 63-65 if we run the upstairs. If they get colder than that I let the upstairs stove go out and turn on the heat pump, or light the basement stove. I try to watch the weather and light the basement stove only when I know I will need two or more loads. It’s a pain to load light and then let it go cold.

Insist on a blower door test. If it’s tight and you are well insulated seriously consider a ventilating dehumidifier. 100-150 cfm of fresh air will make a difference in the indoor air quality.