Thanks all for the additional replies.
Pen: Thanks for the heads-up on getting the wood ready, but I think I have that covered. I have been on this property for>10 years and have been cutting/splitting/stacking wood for most of those. I think I have ~3--4 years supply on hand now--primarily red oak, some birch. My only question is if some of the original stuff is too punky by now. As for the tax credit--oops. However, I did get some of it for last calender year with some new windows and insulation, and there still is a max $300.00 for this calender year.
formula__pilot: Thanks for the clarification on wood usage; any comparison will be somewhat of a guess, and it helps to know you changed your heating habits.
Jimbob and sesmith: Again, hats off to you both for the retro-fits. I guess I would be alittle concerned with the Lange drilling into the curved cast sides and weldng on; also don't know if ther are considerations regarding concentrating heat with a secondary burn in an area that maybe the old one wasn't designed to handle--under the original baffle set-up that has two 180 degree turns for exhaust.
Pen: Thanks for the heads-up on getting the wood ready, but I think I have that covered. I have been on this property for>10 years and have been cutting/splitting/stacking wood for most of those. I think I have ~3--4 years supply on hand now--primarily red oak, some birch. My only question is if some of the original stuff is too punky by now. As for the tax credit--oops. However, I did get some of it for last calender year with some new windows and insulation, and there still is a max $300.00 for this calender year.
formula__pilot: Thanks for the clarification on wood usage; any comparison will be somewhat of a guess, and it helps to know you changed your heating habits.
Jimbob and sesmith: Again, hats off to you both for the retro-fits. I guess I would be alittle concerned with the Lange drilling into the curved cast sides and weldng on; also don't know if ther are considerations regarding concentrating heat with a secondary burn in an area that maybe the old one wasn't designed to handle--under the original baffle set-up that has two 180 degree turns for exhaust.