UncleRich said:
Kevin:
So let me think here, probably backwards, but if I can save 6-10 dollars per week, why should I buy a new stove? Particulariy if I am gaining no efficiency, burning no less fuel and having to deal with a whole new unit? Wouldn't I be better off buying a few more books for the kids, or putting the extra in saving for retirement, or a college fund.
Please. explain why a new unit would be better? When you explain your rational, give us why in four or five years the burning technology looks back and sees us in the dark ages with out current technology, you can justify spending so much for so little.
Kevin, I'm not being nasty, but that's the sale pitch the auto industry has been pitching each year with their new models, seems to benefit them and not us.
Oh, I'm not offended... it's all in good sport. I'm not sure I could explain it any better than Spike already did. Higher efficiency is less wood burnt, which equates to money saved. Everyones numbers will crunch a little differently.
In my particular case, it would have been illegal to re-install my old Frontier stove. WA is pretty strict, so I had to go new. As it was I found a fairly good deal on a used set up. In fact, had I not found such a good deal I would have forgone the stove for this season.
Beyond economics I think there is a safety factor involved as well. Newer stoves have been tested, and safe tolerances are known. With the older stoves you're walking in the dark, in my opinion.
I'm not suggesting that other priorities shouldn't take precedence over a new stove. Kids, college and retirement are far more important than having a new stove, or a new car. However, for most people I've found budgets can be tightened enough to save a little extra money. Whether you're buying coffee at Starbucks, or eating out for dinner or renting movies, or paying for cable, cell phones and other "necessities" in life SOMETHING can usually be given up for an item of greater importance. I would place home heating as a higher priority than cable TV.
I estimate that I have about $2-3 in change every week left over from "stuff" I do during my week. I throw my change into a bowl at the end of every day. Even saving my change that's $104 to $156 bucks a year. In two years you could purchase a new stove. Certainly you have to want a new stove, and make a commitment to save for one, but it's not impossible.
I have no shame in going to yard sales, purchasing used building materials, fixing things other people can't, going to thrift stores for my clothes, etc. All things I do on a regular basis. A penny saved is a penny earned. I can afford many pleasures in life because I have saved money where I can over the years. Admittedly I do splurge once in a while on a fine meal or new toy (usually a new tool), you've got to spoil yourself a little in life. I look down upon no one for being frugal, in fact I think frugality is an admirable quality.
If the numbers don't pencil out for you so be it. But I believe there are other members on the forum who certainly could, perhaps easily, afford to purchase a new stove and don't. So let's hear their rationale!
And for the record again... I've never ever bought a new car. One, because I've been a mechanic by trade, and two because they are horrible investments. No where can you loose more money than by purchasing a new car. And my classics? Well I've never paid more than $1000 for any of them upon purchase price, they hold their value, and my sweat equity makes them worth more. I could certainly have better investments, they are toys for certain, and if I had to sell them to make end meets I would.
-Kevin
