Primary heat source.

These were the three on my list as well. I went with the Woodstock IS. BK was a little pricey. The research I did lead me to believe the burn times were best in the BK, then the IS, then the Regency farther behind.

 

IIRC, Regency won't deviate from the 8" flue spec, either. Those that have asked were told it was because of overdraft risk. Something else to keep in mind if you have a 6" pipe in place already.

 

Woodstock, Blazeking, and Regency were my top 3 also and the 6 inch pipe installed already and the 2nd price difference made Woodstock IS an easier choice. Since Blaze king had no place to see them..

 

I would not want to be without a backup heat source that I could use if it ever came to not being able to use the woodstove. I really love my Buck 91 but if I decide the little lady and I want to go somewhere warm in the winter it's nice to know the house can stay warm with the NG boiler. I put in a new boiler 4 years ago and bought it online, I didn't go with the highest efficiency aval. but that was for more than just price point. I wanted something with a standing pilot and not a lot of electronics to go bad so I could work on it easier if needed.

 

The firebox on the Ashford is too small to be a contender for me but it sure is perty and that tstat makes a 24/7/210 burn a lot easier.

 

I agree with them. If you need to sell you may have to credit someone a furnace.

Also like they said if you ever plan on leaving your home in the winter for more than a day you will needs something with a thermostat and another source besides wood. Other wise you need to shut down and drain your pipes. Just say you want to go out of town. Or you hurt your back and your wife is out of town.

 

Dam were like 90 degrees and 50% humidity in the afternoons. I dont just sit on the porch this time of year unless I got done working ans sweaty!

 

Sounds like a good deal Pete.

I try my best to keep my "primary" source of heat from coming on but I can't really see not having it either?

I think your making the right decesion even if you still have to shell out more $$ for a different stove. It is good back up if you get hurt sell your house or want to leave town for three days. No worrying about a big temp drop to freeze pipes.

 

Your ins might say, or the sales person, that a conventional system is not needed- but I can almost guarantee that the underwriters will. Moot point as you are installing a conventional at this point.