If you can't move the stove upstairs, I'd say 1) caulk/foam/weatherstrip any air gaps 2) use window film long before you think about replacing windows 3) get ahead on wood 4) replace the stove 5) use the money you save to buy tools/build a shed to make it easy to stay ahead on wood. When you are on cruise control, go for the more expensive stuff like doors and windows.
Jetjr, I have some pics on a couple ways to put a baffle in your stove but I can't put them on the forum with this computer, I need to wait till I get home. But basicly, you need to "slow" down the flow, "NOT" restrict the hot gasses from your fire and create a secondary burn, It's not that hard. Does your flue come out the back of your stove? I think some "may" have came out the top on the big moe, either way it can be done.
We burned around 4 cords thus far. We have around a cord left. Dipped into around a face cord of next year's oak when it was-15°F quite a few nights this winter.
yea the flue comes out of the back of the stove. i have not burnt a whole lot more wood than last year though. i don't know a whole lot about stoves. wood goes in heat and ash comes out. i am interested in the baffle deal though.
jetir… Unfortunately, wood stoves operated improperly burn down way too many homes here in Maine every year. We just had Varney's, a labrador retriever kennel here in Turner, burn flat last night caused by a wood stove that was burning too hot. They had 7 litters of pups along with adult dogs. Incredibly, they only lost 3 pups. Sad. So, FHC is a great place to learn the important stuff on wood stoves…
Looks like about two and a half cords burnt so far, the EPA stove is doing pretty darn good heating 1200 square feet and no gas heat
I know a little more than that. I keep an eye on stove pipe temp, draw, ash build up, and clean chimney more than most people I know. I also pay a lot of attention to the smoke just to see how its burning. It is a great place to learn thanks to all the good people.
Stinny, it is a shame that this incident happened. the owners probably worked their whole lives to get to where they were. They are extremely lucky to have only lost 3 pups (still a huge lose to them I am sure). hopefully everything will work out for them. I know more than I stated just don't know much about new stoves mostly. I don't know if you know the owners/operators but again I am sorry to hear of their loss.
I don't know what your budget is but you should consider getting an EPA stove for next year. I'm not saying that you shouldn't put a baffle in and modify the one you have. Just saying the best thing you could do is get an EPA stove, It would cut down your wood consumption considerably. Once I learned about how EPA stoves work, And the benefits I could reap from having one, I just had to get one but,a New EPA stove Was not in my budget, so, After months of scouring Craigslist, And a lot of help from the forum about stoves, Identification Of stoves and so on, I snagged me a Quality EPA stove to fit my needs. It was not easy and took some time But it was worth it, I ended up with an 1800 dollar stove 3 years old for $450 It is much more efficient than my old smoke dragon and a lot easier to heat with. You would need something bigger than my 2.4 cubic foot box but, There are great deals out there you just have to be diligent, And hop on the great deals quick. It won't cost you anything to look , For that matter it won't cost you anything to look into a new EPA stove. Spring/summer is actually a good time to find A good deal on a used stove
I don't know the Varney family, just what was on the news here. The owner said they are insured, so will re-build ASAP. They obviously are hard working folks, and seem to be leaning right into the task at hand… clean up the mess (what a bad time to have a major snowstorm today & tomorrow) and get started on that re-build. jetir, I sure didn't mean to single you out, in any way. We just hear of way too many avoidable wood stove caused fires in Maine, and had just seen this latest example. S' all… I think the Hoarders here have an incredible wealth of experience to share. Looks like you think so too… cool…
I did not take it in any bad way. I think it was good that you brought it up. Sometimes we get complacent in our actions and need to be reminded of dangers that can be associated with wood burning.
Hey jetir… thought you'd like a good news follow up to the Varney's fire as you don't get Maine's news out your way. When the Turner Fire Dept got there, one of the firefighters noticed the barn had all the dogs in it and they went in to try and get them all. This one guy found a 6 month old black lab that was not doing well and froze in the back. He got her out, got her to the vets… she's gonna be fine, and he adopted her right on the spot. Named her… wait for it… Smokey. Cool story.
Jetjr, Here are some pics of the baffle I installed in a baby bear fisher. You can also set a plate on top of some fire bricks snugg against the side of your stove. I welded in some angle iron on the sides of the stove then set the plate on top. I used 3/8" plate but you can use thicker if you have it, doesn't hurt! I wouldn't use any thinner though, it'll warp after a while. Having the baffle will help emensly, slow the burn down and help it become much more efficient.
