We bought a recently (2008) constructed house that has an LP insert in the living room. Last winter we had a constant draft that I slowed down by jamming insulation into the direct vent pipe and around the fire box. Obviously we didn't use it while all that was in place. Anyway, it's pretty clear that the builders did a terrible job insulating and sealing the whole thing and this year we wanted to get that fixed. With the price of propane (currently $2.71 in our area and it goes up in the winter) we have been talking about getting a wood pellet insert to use as a primary heating source and using the existing central air system to push the warm air around the house. Last year we used the central heating which is fueled by LP . Does anyone have a recommendation? Has anyone done something like this? The insert would be on the first floor at one end of a two story house. The floor plan is pretty open and the house is about 2300 sq ft. We were looking at a 1500 or 2000 sq ft model. We were quoted about $4k to do the whole job. How is the noise level for pellet stoves? This would be in the same room as the TV so we wouldn't want it too loud. I ran some numbers and assuming the pellet insert would be the primary heating source, it would take us about 3 - 4 years to recoup the cost. Do you all think a wood pellet insert in the living room with a central air system would work well enough to replace the central heater powered by LP? Thanks for reading this and for any input!
BTW, the LP insert runs at 20,500 BTU - 32,500 BTU and the wood pellet insert runs at 17,200 - 47,300 (a little lower for the 1500 sq foot model, both are quadra-fire).
BTW, the LP insert runs at 20,500 BTU - 32,500 BTU and the wood pellet insert runs at 17,200 - 47,300 (a little lower for the 1500 sq foot model, both are quadra-fire).