Thomas. You may, may, also notice there are a few folks here who like a cold beer now and then. And even a couple who will drink it at room temperature. Just don't go to the extent the Pellet Pigs like will711, jtakeman , slvrblkk , etc. go
Thanks for the tips! I plan to pick up a mm tomorrow. I've been trying to split the pine as I get time for this winter. Hopefully what I have split will be dry enough...
I don't mean to criticize so please don't take it that way. The reality is if your wood is wet you will have a poor experience burning. We don't want anybody to have to go through that. With the moisture meter, you will split a piece of wood again and push the probes into the fresh split surface. For proper operation of an epa certified stove it needs to be 20% or less +/-. If you are getting a lot of high readings try splitting the wood smaller and test it again in a month. My suggestion is to get away from the bulk storage pile. The wood you plan on using this year should be single row stacked and top covered if possible. Give it maximum airflow and sun. Just my 2 cents.
I know this will open a can, but anyone have suggestions on inserts? Our house is 1700 square feet but the budget is tight at this point of the remodel. We should have gotten this first, but put it off, now we have around 2000-2500 for the insert. We also have fairly mild winters in these parts so bear that in mind. I know for sure a local supplier carries Quadra-Fire, Harman and Heatilator. I'm sure I could order something else if those aren't good companies. We are currently planning on the Heatilator WINS1800. It says 2.0 cu ft firebox and heats up to 2000 sq ft with 80.4% efficiency for $1,500, thoughts?
For mild winters I would consider Blaze King cat inserts. You can run them very low and slow for a long time.
No criticism taken, I appreciate advice! I definitely need to single stack the splits for this winter. I'll see what the meter says tomorrow and go from there. I have a neighbor down the road that has thick blue smoke rolling out of his chimney all winter. That's the last thing I want. If it doesn't get properly dried in time, i'll burn gas again this year and be ahead for next.
I would prefer a free standing stove over an insert, but as far as recommending an insert, I'm clueless. Never had one and hope to never have one! I like to cook on top the stove and I see some owners of inserts wish they had the room for a free standing......thats all.
You have a lot of insert stove options in the $1000 to $2500 range. You are planning a chimney liner too?
Welcome Thomas! Nice pics! I especially enjoyed the aerial view. Looks like you've come to the right place! A lot of us started out the same way as you. Just keep adding to the hoard - the dry part will start to get a lot easier. Sorting your quick drying stuff from the harder stuff can help get that ball rolling faster.
Good deal, sounds like you are on the right track. Consider a Drolet 18ooi insert? Lotta bang for the buck...can get 'em at Menards under $1k when they go on sale...normally like $1150-$1200 or something. The Heatilator looks nice...I know nothing 'bout 'em though...
-Most sheeple at a party: "Hey, how 'bout them (insert favorite sports team here)?" -FHCer at a party: "Hey, how's your stacks comin?" "Got any current pics?"
We actually don't have Menards here! I've seen mixed reviews about the Heatilator, so i'll definitely look into a Drolet. that's much more affordable than what I've seen locally.
