Build or buy a stove?

Interesting reading about efficiency numbers.

http://forgreenheat.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-review-of-wood-and-pellet-stove.html?m=1

 

Same old hogwash!

 

Huh? Your going to burn a wood stove in August, in NY where it can reach 90-100F at times?

 

I meant all burning season. Sorry for confusion!

 

Yep. Just numbers. The point I wanted to make was that the 63% number is a default that the EPA came up with for non cat stoves. Most manufacturers use that because the testing and certification is expensive.

If you look at the new list, Blaze King and a very few others have actual tested heating efficiencies. I suppose Woodstock would be there too, if they didn't get left off

 

I know what you are trying to say, but I don't think that saying works well when it comes to a insurance for a home fire...

 

Yep especially when they will show you the fine print that let's them weazel out of paying off a $200,000 claim due to the use of an in posted and untested and or non production wood stove.

The insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize payouts. This is the same reason you have to fight to get what you think a totaled car is worth. There trying to pay you the bare minimum.

 

I think its safe to say that most of us are on here for more reasons then just heating our houses. We care and want to learn about how to do things efficiently and in the cleanest way possible. Its a packaged deal. Heat, efficiency, and cleanliness. It all works together. Don't buy an old stove or build one. Its that simple.

 

I am not as worried about a 30 year old smoke dragon in serviceable condition but more the home made job.

 

I believe there is no better value than some of these new heaters coming out now. The amount of heat put into the space from the fuel is amazing, and the upfront costs are low, and getting lower thanks to market entries like the IS from Woodstock. That said, not everyone can afford the proper chimney, let alone the stove. If you can afford it, buy one and be done with it. If you are looking at burning a dangerous, dirty smoke dragon for years due to not being able to afford a modern install, than I would say, build one. While insurance is a good reason for caution, I truly believe I would have burned my house down by now with the old dragon. It really was that bad, and my only options were use it, or build something better. I did the latter. Just one opinion, things have come a long way and stoves are way better than they were just a few years ago, it's now possible to build one inexpensively that meets or exceeds the efficiency of commercial offerings. That said, if I could, I'd just buy an IS or the like and be done with it.

 

I understand continuing to use an existing "older" stove, but adding an old stove to new pipe in today's world makes no sense. If you were thinking of doing that I would say go get the Englander in a heartbeat.