switching to wood on a serious budget

[WoodBoringBeetle]

Hi all, I've been using a wood boiler to heat my house and attached garage for many years and its not feasible anymore. I plan to keep it for heating my garage and possibly my hot water and utility room above garage, but would like to install a wood stove to provide most of the heat for the main house. I also have a fairly new oil furnace, which has become too expensive to use for anything but backup. It was purchased for me by a low income assistance program; I didn't have the option for propane, unfortunately.

So I am looking for tips on how to get a low cost wood stove system, which is all I can afford. This will almost certainly mean mostly used parts, but I will not take risks with badly worn or damaged parts. I don't need to hurry, I can take my time collecting what I need and maybe install next year. I can probably do most of the inside work myself, but with an 8:12 roof I will need someone to install (or help install) the chimney. I don't mind starting with an older stove temporarily but certainly would prefer something UL listed and EPA approved for the long term. My first floor is about 41 x 21 so I'll need something good sized, heat drifting up the stairs from living room has always been enough to heat the master bedroom above to a comfortable chilly sleeping temp.

Helpful tips on how to source and inspect used stuff, and what too look for?

 

[begreen]

I'm wondering about the typical winter temps. What state is this in? How well insulated is the house? If possible post a sketch or two showing the basic floorplan and proposed stove location.

Unfortunately, installing a wood stove these days has become very expensive. Prices have skyrocketed in the past 6 yrs.

If possible, running up the chimney straight up through the house is usually less expensive for parts and better performing. Beware of used chimney pipe with an unknown history. This is one area where safety is critical. If buying used chimney, it must be modern Class A pipe rated for wood stove service - UL 103HT (HT2100) should be in excellent condition. Chimney pipe that has been exposed to rain may have its insulation soaked with water, rendering it unusable. Be fussy.

 

[Murray01]

Budget?