Greetings to you all. I have lurked on this site for 4 months and I am going to pull the trigger on a new insert within the next few months. I have really picked up a lot of info just browsing here but would really appreciate some specific input. Background: Retired in Jan after 25 years in AF. Moved to Simsbury Ct for my wife who is originally from Western Mass wanted to move closer to home after following me around for years. I took a local job and very happy here (although cost of living is ridiculous here!) OK enough of that, so here is my setup:
- 2200 sqft house 2 story with basement. House is in good shape insulation wise but original drafty windows and a slider door definitely need replacing. Fireplace dimensions 28 in hi by 35 in wide and 22 inch depth.
- fireplace located in family room on the slab not over basement
- Using mainly Fri-Sun with a few work nights for really cold days to augment oil furnace
- stoves I like: Jotul 550, enviro cabello/Boston 1700,hearthstone Clydesdale, PE summit/alderlea, Regency 3100,quadrafire 3100
Questions:
1. Are the full cast iron stoves much better than the cast over steel inserts?
2. Anyone from nearby area recommend a dealer? I have visited valley stove in canton and green mountain in new Hartford. Haven't been to the store in Avon that sells jotuls and quadrafire yet. They also sell spa stuff I think.
3. Also being new to Ct I am looking for reputable wood suppliers. I have about 2 cord of white oak from dropping a dying tree in yard. Would want to have it split and ready and partially seasoned.
4. Concerned about the Jotul being a flush mount in that it won't radiate the heat as much. Am I worried about nothing?
Thanks again in advance for your time!
Steve
- 2200 sqft house 2 story with basement. House is in good shape insulation wise but original drafty windows and a slider door definitely need replacing. Fireplace dimensions 28 in hi by 35 in wide and 22 inch depth.
- fireplace located in family room on the slab not over basement
- Using mainly Fri-Sun with a few work nights for really cold days to augment oil furnace
- stoves I like: Jotul 550, enviro cabello/Boston 1700,hearthstone Clydesdale, PE summit/alderlea, Regency 3100,quadrafire 3100
Questions:
1. Are the full cast iron stoves much better than the cast over steel inserts?
2. Anyone from nearby area recommend a dealer? I have visited valley stove in canton and green mountain in new Hartford. Haven't been to the store in Avon that sells jotuls and quadrafire yet. They also sell spa stuff I think.
3. Also being new to Ct I am looking for reputable wood suppliers. I have about 2 cord of white oak from dropping a dying tree in yard. Would want to have it split and ready and partially seasoned.
4. Concerned about the Jotul being a flush mount in that it won't radiate the heat as much. Am I worried about nothing?
Thanks again in advance for your time!
Steve