Wood stove in Chicago kept us warm today

[RickBlaine]

Our wood-burning stove (in a fireplace) kept us warm today. Temp this morning was -20 F here. I was stunned at how quickly the fire took hold, how strong the updraft was, and how I needed to close the stove door in 2 minutes instead of the usual 10-12 minutes.

Speaking of the updraft- it was so strong it felt like a wind tunnel with the air in the house wanting to escape up the chimney liner.

It is 6:30 pm now- last load. Then the natural gas furnace can take over- I ain't walking to the wood pile outside again tonight! It's 60 feet away from the front door but that's 60 feet too far. (Don't judge me!)

 

[weatherguy]

Cant say I blame you, that's why I try to have a few days worth in the house. Colds here tonight not minus 20 but minus 5 or so. I see northern Minnesota is already minus 30s.

 

[Woody Stover]

You don't wanna go out now...looks like the Windy City is living up to its nickname. I brought in several days worth of wood when I saw what was coming. My outside stash near the door is just about gone now, though..need a break in the weather to haul up more.

 

[Texas123]

This is why our fireplaces and stoves are so valuable. Thousands are without power and heat and we are surviving at the worst back to a century ago.
My main firewood hoard is under the carport on the east side of the house and out of the north winds.