Help me choose the right size new stove

[FLINT]

Hey guys,

So, last week I started a topic about modifying your house to better facilitate heating with wood. Me and my wife have talked about it and I think we are going to try to do it.

We are going to remove one bedroom from the middle of the house and then divide up our other super large bedroom into two regular sized bedrooms. This will actually completely open up our whole house. We then plan to put a new woodstove in pretty much the center of the house.

I'm going to try to attach two images to this post. The first is the existing layout which has the stove all the way on one side of the house which keeps the other end of the house 15-20 degrees cooler than the stove end.

The second image is of the new proposed layout.

The interior square footage of our house is about 1200 sq. ft. The main living areas are about 1000 sq. ft. and the mudroom and laundry room add another 200 sq. ft.

OK, so now for the questions

I'm trying to figure which size class of stoves would be appropriate for this application. With the stove right in the middle of the house, I don't want to get cooked with too big of a stove. However, my wife likes it toasty, so I don't want something that isn't going to cut it. We are in the mountains in northwestern virginia, at about 1550' elevation, so we are cold for virginia. our house has great insulation in the attic - none under the house and some in the walls, its not a super tight new home, but its not an old drafty thing either. There is no upstairs or basement or anything, just one level, and my ceilings are maybe 8' at the most.

I really like the look and the idea of the Hearthstone soapstone wood stoves. I really like the looks of the Heritage, but I'm afraid it will be too big. I don't like the looks of the homestead. I do like the Tribute, but I'm afraid that one is too small.

Also I know that Jotuls are good stoves, and I think that the Castine (400) would be the appropriate size, correct??

Finally, I've heard that the Woodstock soapstone stoves are really good, but I'm a little hesitant about getting a catalytic stove, just in case I can't always have perfect wood. However, let me know which model woodstock would be most appropriate for my application.

So, I guess what I'm asking is, check out my proposed new home layout image and let me know which models of Hearthstone, Jotul, and Woodstock stoves would be most appropriate.

THANKS

oh ok, so the image on the left is my existing layout, the image on the right is my proposed modification

 

[Todd]

Looks like the perfect set up for wood stove heating. I don't think the Heritage will be too big, you won't be burning it at full capacity and the manufactures numbers are usually on the high side. Don't be afraid of the cat stoves, yes there is a slight learning curve but same with other stoves as well and they both need dry wood to perform properly. The Fireview or Heritage would be a good fit. If your looking for overnight burns or 24/7 burning your going to need at least 2 cu ft fire box, anything larger may blast you out in 1200 sq ft. Cat stoves can be turned down more and give a more even low heat so you can go a little larger.

 

[Fsappo]

The short answer would be the Oslo or the Heritage, in my opinion. Both have side loads which allow for long log lengths. Both will give you overnight burns. I have burned both and enjoyed them (Oslo in my opinion was the better stove from a user friendly standpoint)

 

[wendell]

I would agree with Todd, you need good wood for any EPA stove so it is something you will have to put your attention on. Also, especially since your wife likes it toasty, definitely make sure you go big enough as you can always build a smaller fire. In order, I would choose the Fireview, Oslo and then the heritage. With the Fireview, you get a lot more control to get the amount of heat you need.

 

[begreen]

These changes would make a world of difference. Agreed, a 2 cu ft stove is what I would be looking at. Lots of good stoves out there like the Fireview, Heritage and Oslo. I would also add a Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 to the mix. It's based on the Spectrum stove which has some great burn times and is a tough simple stove.

 

[FLINT]

Thanks guys! Very helpful responses

I'm glad you said OSLO instead of the Castine, as I really would prefer to have the side door option.

So, Fireview, Oslo, and Heritage - sounds like I can't go to wrong. I like the sound of having some control over the heat output.

With my current old sheet metal stove, I have very little control, its either hot and fast, or I have to use the damper to get a long (4 hour max) creosote forming smolder burn.

 

[wendell]

Well, if 4 hours is long for you now, you are going to LOVE a new stove. With the Fireview, you will get at least 6 burning full out and up to 12 burning lower, all without creosote buildup. I would also agree with BG, I think the T5 would be a good choice, also.

 

[G-rott]

If it is possible to insulate the foundation, it will probably be the best heating money you don't spend. I built a SIP's home on a full basement. I didn't finish (start) the basement insulation until the third winter, what a difference. Warmer floors, less wood usage and the "back up" heat doesn't come on most nights.

While your remodeling tighten up the envelope as much as you can without getting cost prohibitive. You only spend insulating money once but the pay back is savings year after year with a more comfortable living space.

I really like the new layout.

Garett

 

[FLINT]

yes, insulating the crawlspace is definitely a long term goal, but we have to first get our moisture issues under control or figure out which insulation types are most compatible to moisture, i.e. doesn't make it worse.

 

[FLINT]

Ok,

sorry to bring this back up.

me and my wife just visited the local stove place. They carry Jotul and Hearthstone.

We both really liked the look on the Hearthstone Heritage, but neither much cared for the OSLO.

They are having a 10% sale right now that unfortunately ends on....TOMORROW!

There are only two other stoves that I'm considering right now.

One is the Woodstock Keystone (not the fireview because we really want a top flue exit and my wife hates the way it looks), and the PE Alderlea T5. However, I believe that both of those would require that I order them and have them shipped as I can't get them locally - although with woodstocks current sale, it wouldn't be any more total than the Heritage I think.

I think the big question right now is we are unsure if the keystone is big enough, even though I've had some people tell me that it would be - a 1.5 cu ft. woodbox seems pretty small. and my wife is petrified of being cold.

My favorite looking stove right now is the Heritage, although, it has to work good or its just a really expensive piece of furniture

I've spoken with Woodstock a couple times and those guys seem really awesome and helpful and nice to deal with and it sounds like their stoves are ultimate top quality.

anyways, thanks for any continued help deciding.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Ok,

sorry to bring this back up.

me and my wife just visited the local stove place. They carry Jotul and Hearthstone.

We both really liked the look on the Hearthstone Heritage, but neither much cared for the OSLO.

They are having a 10% sale right now that unfortunately ends on....TOMORROW!

There are only two other stoves that I'm considering right now.

One is the Woodstock Keystone (not the fireview because we really want a top flue exit and my wife hates the way it looks), and the PE Alderlea T5. However, I believe that both of those would require that I order them and have them shipped as I can't get them locally - although with woodstocks current sale, it wouldn't be any more total than the Heritage I think.

I think the big question right now is we are unsure if the keystone is big enough, even though I've had some people tell me that it would be - a 1.5 cu ft. woodbox seems pretty small. and my wife is petrified of being cold.

My favorite looking stove right now is the Heritage, although, it has to work good or its just a really expensive piece of furniture

I've spoken with Woodstock a couple times and those guys seem really awesome and helpful and nice to deal with and it sounds like their stoves are ultimate top quality.

anyways, thanks for any continued help deciding.

I would also be concerned about the size of the Keystone. A small firebox can be a pain in the ass. I am a big fan of Woodstock stoves and their customer service seems to be outstanding. I don't think anyone on this forum owns one of the smaller Woodstocks.

The Hearthstone Heritage is also a great stove. My father in-law owns one and I really like how it works. Good burn times, not much fiddling to lock in a temp, and it throws off a lot of heat. It should heat your house very well.

 

[Todd]

From what I've heard here about both of those stoves is either will work fine for your sq ft and climate. The Keystone while smaller will give you a longer burn than the Heritage and be more controlable in the shoulder seasons and you can turn it up when you need the heat as well. I like the looks of the Keystone better, but the Heritage is a good looker as well. If the Keystone doesn't work out you have the 6 month no questions ask return it policy and try something else.

 

[begreen]

PE lists some VA dealers, but I'm not sure who would be closest. It might be worth calling them if you haven't already grabbed the Heritage.

The T5 Aldelea (same as a Spectrum inside) has great burntimes. Nice simple stove if that is what you are looking for. The Heritage would also be a nice addition to the house and a very good looker.

Woodburners Two
6600 Arlington Boulevard
Falls Church, Virginia
USA 22042
phone: 703-241-1400
website: www.woodburnerstwo.com

Acme Stove Company
1702 East Market Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia
USA 22801
phone: 540-433-9181
website: www.acmestoveco.com

For online order, (broken link removed) offers good service and advice. They also sell the Heritage if you need more info.

 

[FLINT]

Thanks guys - although, I just got one nod for the Heritage, one for the Keystone, and one for the T5, hahaha. I'm actually not really sweating it, because I feel like we would be happy with any of these stoves.

BeGreen - thanks for the links - although ACME is the place we went today and looked at the Heritage. We looked at all their stoves and they definitely didn't have anything from Pacific Energy, nor did they have any posters or other information indicating that they were a dealer. hmmm, maybe they used to be?? Looks like they mostly have Jotul and Hearthstone and then a couple steel plate stoves, don't remember the brand, but they weren't PE.

Thanks!

 

[dispatcher101]

Sounds like you have narrowed your search a little bit. I know that it has been said before, but i would definitely go with the larger fire box regardless of the manufacturer. I asked the same questions you have been a few months back, and everyone stressed getting a big enough fire box. I am very glad that I went with a larger firebox. It is very easy to build a smaller fire, than to push your stove constantly. In comparison to my brother in laws smaller lopi answer my T5 ends up needing less attention as well as wood. Also the burn times are GREATLY increased with the larger fire box as well; nothing beats loading the stove up before bed, and waking up to stove that is still hot.

GO BIG

 

[Hiram Maxim]

After all that I have read and has been said on these forums, I'm with Todd & Wendell on the Fireview. Even with the rear pipe attachment.....

Everyone seems to just love that model and have success with it.

Just my $.03 :cheese:

 

[FLINT]

After all that I have read and has been said on these forums, I'm with Todd & Wendell on the Fireview. Even with the rear pipe attachment.....

Everyone seems to just love that model and have success with it.

Just my $.03 :cheese:

Yes, I know. I think the Fireview would be perfect for our house. Except that my wife thinks its the ugliest stove of any that we are considering - she doesn't really appreciate the antique look at all. Also, as the back of the stove will be facing a high traffic area, we just hate to have that pipe sticking out the back just hanging out there. If we were just hiding the back of it against a hearth, it would be an easy solution.

The heritage with the pipe coming out the top has such a nice clean look and the back of it is just as good looking as any side really. the backs of some other stoves like the Jotuls look the the back side of an old TV set or something.

6 months of the year the stove will be basically furniture and we don't want an eye sore.

 

[G-rott]

If I had it to do again I'd set my stove up for the rear exit with a tee and a cap for the clean-out. It would save disconnecting the pipe when I clean the chimney. But it's not worth the trouble re-building the hearth.

Garett

 

[wendell]

I understand not liking the looks of the Fireview. I wouldn't be afraid of ordering a stove online as long as you have somebody to help you do the chimney install (which your insurance company will require). So, I wouldn't discount the T5.

But, I would definitely pick the one your wife likes best!

 

[FLINT]

ok, well, we got 6" of snow today, and I called the stove place today to see if they could extend the 10% discount until monday as I couldn't make it in to town today. Nobody was at the store so they must not have come in.

well anyways, the pressure is off at least until monday.

I'm still waffling by the minute between the heritage and keystone.

one more question.

will the heritage put out heat if I run it low? seems like I read somewhere that soapstone wouldn't put out any heat unless it got above a certain temp or something. I just want to make sure that I don't have to run this thing hard constantly, as november and march are definitely mild, but still fire weather. I'm worried that the heritage is going to be a wood consuming beast to feed.

 

[kiowa]

Just curious, why did you rule out the Oslo?

 

[FLINT]

Just curious, why did you rule out the Oslo?

we looked at the oslo and my wife ruled it out because she said it was ugly, especially the back of it. looked like the back of a huge 1975 TV or something. This stove will be positioned so that the back of the stove will be facing a the path to the bathroom and a bedroom and would also be visible from the kitchen, so we want something with a nice looking back. The Heritage has a very clean flat back that would not be an eyesore.

 

[boxerdogheidi]

Buy the one with the bigger firebox. I have 1.2 cu.ft. firebox and you won't believe how small it really is. We bought this stove 14 years ago and made the decision based on looks. Next week we're putting in a bigger stove. Can't stand getting up to a cold house. Once again I made the decision on which stove and I'll tell you for sure it wasn't based on looks this time. Put your foot down, you don't want to be replacing the stove because you bought the wrong one based on looks.