Is it ridiculous to install a pellet stove in a less than optimal position in the house because I want to keep my wood burning insert in my masonry fireplace? I had been shopping for a pellet stove insert to replace my wood insert. We had a power outage and a foot of snow on Friday and when I contemplated my life with no wood stove I practically had an anxiety attack.
So why do I want a pellet stove? So that I rarely have to use my propane furnace which is ridiculously inefficient. To upgrade I would need to totally replace my system because the ductwork was retrofit (originally an oil furnace) and is worse than the furnace! This would far exceed my budget.
So why not just supplement with wood? Because I can't cut/split my own and buying decent fireplace- ready wood here is at least as expensive as pellets. I also want something that I can leave for a weekend and know that when I return the plumbing won't be wrecked.
So.....My fireplace is centrally located and heat from the woodstove insert (an old Lopi mid-80's model) moves around nicely. The place where I would locate a free-standing pellet stove is in the corner of my family room which opens into the living room (where the current woodstove is located) with a 5' wide doorway. Is the heat from the PS likely to move around enough to heat most of the house? It's an L-shaped 2000 sq ft 2-story with an open cathedral ceiling entryway. What model/ make would be likely to work for me?
I am also a little paranoid about availability of various fuels in the future. Shortages seem likely. It seems to me that having more options for heating is wise. Do you agree? I would appreciate any help or thoughts on my situation.
Also, I love everyone's fascination with fire; the romance, the power, the spiritual aspects. I used to be a potter and am totally tied into the transformative effects or fire. Also, I'm intrigued by the way people identify with their stoves (....I burn a this or that...). So fascinating! A great site
So why do I want a pellet stove? So that I rarely have to use my propane furnace which is ridiculously inefficient. To upgrade I would need to totally replace my system because the ductwork was retrofit (originally an oil furnace) and is worse than the furnace! This would far exceed my budget.
So why not just supplement with wood? Because I can't cut/split my own and buying decent fireplace- ready wood here is at least as expensive as pellets. I also want something that I can leave for a weekend and know that when I return the plumbing won't be wrecked.
So.....My fireplace is centrally located and heat from the woodstove insert (an old Lopi mid-80's model) moves around nicely. The place where I would locate a free-standing pellet stove is in the corner of my family room which opens into the living room (where the current woodstove is located) with a 5' wide doorway. Is the heat from the PS likely to move around enough to heat most of the house? It's an L-shaped 2000 sq ft 2-story with an open cathedral ceiling entryway. What model/ make would be likely to work for me?
I am also a little paranoid about availability of various fuels in the future. Shortages seem likely. It seems to me that having more options for heating is wise. Do you agree? I would appreciate any help or thoughts on my situation.
Also, I love everyone's fascination with fire; the romance, the power, the spiritual aspects. I used to be a potter and am totally tied into the transformative effects or fire. Also, I'm intrigued by the way people identify with their stoves (....I burn a this or that...). So fascinating! A great site