Installed my Equinox last January and spent the remainder of last winter and spring scrounging for wood to burn. Lots of work and I burned wood that was not properly seasoned. Learning from all of you what needed to be done for this winter, I went out and cut, split and stacked 8.5 cords last spring. Mostly ash, elm, cherry, mulberry, birch and spruce. My home is 2900 sq. ft and I have begun to have morning burns to get the house from 65 to 74 before noon. It will then take till 10pm to get down to 70 for bedtime. My wife says that we may not have enough for the whole season. I think we will and I feel that all my hard labor this past 7 months has led me to this moment where I can heat my home for free basically and keep it as warm as I like. I am not going to worry about what I have left in the spring. If I need to buy a couple of face cords then I will. I have saved enough to not worry about it. The reason for putting this stove in is so I don't need to worry and I will not this year. I have already accumulated a couple of cords for 2010-2011. I have enjoyed the morning fires and the speed in whch the properly seasoned wood heats up the EQ more rapidly. No smoke out of the chimney and very little ash. Fires up quick and nevers struggles. What a joy. Anyone else throw caution to the wind and just enjoy the fruits of their labor? I sure hope so.
Jeff
Jeff