Wood stove in Chicago kept us warm today

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.

RickBlaine

Burning Hunk
Jan 12, 2014
161
Chicago
Our wood-burning stove (in a fireplace) kept us warm today. Temp this morning was -20 F here. I was stunned at how quickly the fire took hold, how strong the updraft was, and how I needed to close the stove door in 2 minutes instead of the usual 10-12 minutes.

Speaking of the updraft- it was so strong it felt like a wind tunnel with the air in the house wanting to escape up the chimney liner.

It is 6:30 pm now- last load. Then the natural gas furnace can take over- I ain't walking to the wood pile outside again tonight! It's 60 feet away from the front door but that's 60 feet too far. (Don't judge me!)
 
Cant say I blame you, that's why I try to have a few days worth in the house. Colds here tonight not minus 20 but minus 5 or so. I see northern Minnesota is already minus 30s.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RickBlaine
You don't wanna go out now...looks like the Windy City is living up to its nickname. I brought in several days worth of wood when I saw what was coming. My outside stash near the door is just about gone now, though..need a break in the weather to haul up more.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RickBlaine
This is why our fireplaces and stoves are so valuable. Thousands are without power and heat and we are surviving at the worst back to a century ago.
My main firewood hoard is under the carport on the east side of the house and out of the north winds.