So I was headed to the local "Home Heating" store to pick up a chimney cover for our oil furnace flue today, and she says "You know, we really ought to look into putting in a wood stove." Part of this is because we bought some more wooded property next to us going from 10 to 16 acres, and we had a bad winter last year where we had a lot of blow downs that I cut and split into firewood with my friends and the cold winter and obscene price of fuel oil in the NE last winter. Oh, and by the way, we have a perfectly nice propane fireplace that heats our house just fine in emergencies. Wood, would be back up to the back up. So, I think I'm going to start exploring my options...
I like the sound of this story. A wooded lot, a wife open to 'exploring' the idea of a woodstove, live in the NE, what more could you ask for! You are in the right spot
Something tells me the wood heat won't be the "backup" for long. You're gonna like the price, and she's gonna like the heat...
Thanks guys. She's super awesome. 1 sane sister and she's spoken for and he's retired 82nd Airborne, so he has guns and knows how to use them.1 crazy cat lady sister and her parents are still alive and married pushing 80's
Any good ideas for building a covered firewood storage structure. I just leave my stack out uncovered right now, and it our wet and humid Midatlantic summers I definitely get less than optimal drying. O.K. for outside fire pit, but not for burning inside.
I've been heating with nothing but wood for 14 years now, I cut split and stacked the wood and took care of feeding the stove, until 2 years ago my wife got comfortable enough with tending the fire she announced that I was now just the official firewood cutter and she was the official fireman it's a win win for me. I think your headed in the right direction.
Actually, she really surprised me. She's going through the change of life and keeps the thermostat at 56*F all year long due to hot flashes If only I could run my air conditioner on wood in the summer, I could really save some money.
I'm burning oil in my furnace, propane in my fireplace and electricity for hot water (all put in by the previous builder/owner). I only burn wood for entertainment and occasionally for the wife to fire her pottery in the fire ring out back. 90% of the firewood from my place goes to my friends who burn for heat. I'd basically be starting from scratch.
Just so ya know your wife is awesome! I wasn't sure you knew that! KEEP HER FOREVER.... Wood usually ends up primary after a year of burning there is just nothing like the warmth from a wood stove.
I built a woodshed out of crossarms and old metal roofing my brother in law had in his barn. Got less than $60 in it.
Good idea to get some good wood ready. That's over 80% of good burning. Dry Wood is key ! I built a basic 8' X 16', than added sections to make it longer & a front eve later . http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/10-x-16-basic-wood-shed-wood-port.2502/ Can get as basic or as fancy as you want/need. They all look great when full
