My mother is freezing

[firefighterjake]

Of the two choices: pellet stove. I think even with the bit of extra work in maintaining the heater she will find the "load and go" benefit quite nice.

Other options . . . as mentioned . . . mini split heat pump or gas heater (natural gas is still relatively affordable.)

 

[begreen]

If your mom is still in good health and both you and she think she can handle a wood stove then I wouldn't hesitate putting one in. It is hard to beat the strong warmth of a wood stove. You will need to be sure her wood supply is adequate and good dry wood. Otherwise she will have a poor experience with the stove. If the fireplace is very large would a freestanding stove fit? That can look very nice. Otherwise, whether wood stove insert or pellet stove insert consider not installing the surround at all. Or attach simple sheet metal extensions that have been painted with a matching satin black. If the decision is pellet I would also look into the Quadrafire 1200 insert. Burning a bag a day, it only requires cleaning every other week and works great off a digital or analog thermostat.

 

[northwinds]

I keep going back to the firewood issue. Are you ready to supply your mother with seasoned firewood (moisture content less than 20%). It isn't likely to be as easy as just ordering wood pellets. Most of the delivered firewood is not ready to burn in a modern epa wood stove. The wood is really, really important for success.

Ronald Reagan may have split wood into his 80's, but that wood wasn't ready to burn in an epa wood stove or insert for years if it was hardwood and many months if it was softwood.

 

[begreen]

Depending on the location one can find fully seasoned wood (barn stored), or kiln dried wood, for a price. In other areas compressed wood products like BioBricks, EcoBricks, Homefires or NIELs are available. And if there is room on the property, build a shed and stock it up now for next year's burning.

 

[branchburner]

In fact, you might consider the ability to source good wood as the primary basis for a decision, or at least as the basis for whether a wood stove is even worth considering. Try to find someone local who will deliver, stack and cover (to your mother's conveniemce for easy access) wood that is <20% MC. If you cannot find such a person, go with pellets.

Be aware, you will find many wood guys who SAY their wood is fully seasoned. It will be a challenge to find one true to his word, who will consistently provide superior wood with every delivery. If you can find such a supplier, it will be well worth paying a premium, as it will ensure best results. Without a good source of truly dry wood, your mother will be frustrated... modern stoves are not nearly as forgiving of sub-par wood as were the stoves of the 80s and before.

 

[begreen]

Indeed, I am assuming some family help here. Dry wood should only be an issue for the upcoming season and as noted, there may be alternatives. If they can get ahead and have next season's wood can be purchased, stacked and covered now then the following years will be easier. But this is a lifestyle decision and one that mom should be partner to. If she is reluctant then a pellet stove should be explored as an option. That is of course assuming that there are dependable sources for affordable pellets nearby.

 

[Phoenix Hatchling]

Welcome to the forum. Your mom seems like a real tough lady. God bless her. And you are a good man for looking out for her. Honestly dude, this may sound crappy but as much as I love wood stoves, I don't think this is the best solution here. My advice is skip the cost of the installation of the wood stove, have her set her thermo stats at 68-72, and just give her $1,000-$1,500 to pay for the extra fuel consumption. If she won't take the money prepay the fuel company for the deliveries. Wood and pellet stoves are awesome, but they are time consuming and labor intensive. Good luck dude. Again I commend you on looking out for your mom.

I concur. Good recommendations.

 

[wahoowad]

I'd consider propane first. No fuss, push button start, nothing to clean or carry, warmth when power goes out. I place a big emphasis on when the power goes out. More expensive but you are buying peace of mind.

Good thread. Mom is 73. I need to hook her up with a backup heat option.

 

[HotCoals]

I'd consider propane first. No fuss, push button start, nothing to clean or carry, warmth when power goes out. I place a big emphasis on when the power goes out. More expensive but you are buying peace of mind.

Good thread. Mom is 73. I need to hook her up with a backup heat option.

Maybe even a propane heater for the room that she is mostly in is not a bad idea at all.
I'm not up on the gas fireplaces as to how well they can heat a room or how efficient they are but I would think that would be a option worth exploring.
Should not cost a lot for thru the wall venting.

 

[eclecticcottage]

Maybe even a propane heater for the room that she is mostly in is not a bad idea at all.
I'm not up on the gas fireplaces as to how well they can heat a room or how efficient they are but I would think that would be a option worth exploring.
Should not cost a lot for thru the wall venting.

We heated our Old house with two gas stoves, Lopi Berkshire upstairs and Lopi Heritage Bay DVS down.

IMO, I'd look at an LP stove or insert. I still struggle with why bother with a pellet stove when you can have an LP stove-LP looks more "realistic" (like a wood fire) and doesn't require the cleaning and feeding a pellet burner does.

 

[begreen]

Propane just costs a lot more to run in certain parts of the country. Not sure what propane (or NG?) costs in her neighborhood. If it is inexpensive then that may be a good option. Regardless of heating fuel, tighten the place up and eliminate leaks. Get the family down there with lots of caulk, caulking guns, sealing foam, weatherstripping and blitz the place on a weekend.