[FIT5FIRE]

I had an ex-chief install a woodburning insert into my fireplace 4 years ago before the craziness of oil prices.

It heats my entire downstairs and provides about 1/2 the heat for my upstairs.

Needless to say, it was a very wise move a few years ago. If anyone is considering doing this now, do not wait too long.

PM me for the name and contact info for the ff that did mine, I very highly recommend him. This is his full time job.

Also, be sure to get a few different estimates to be sure his price is right.

[upyourpump]

I have a fireplace insert as well for at least ten years. Burns wood or coal. Next to it, I installed a wood pellet stove. A ton of pellets cost about $255.00 Use the pellet at night and during the week when the house is empty. Use the wood/coal when we're all home to save on pellets since my wood is FREE!
Took my truck down to southern PA. to the coal mines and purchased a ton real cheap. ( would be rather expensive to pick it up now) That ton lasted at least three seasons because I use it on extra cold days/nights. The coal throws a ton of heat! I will probably purchase three tons of pellets this year. The Pellets and the wood I have already seasoned should get me thru the next heating season with no problem Thats under $800.00 for the season.

[FIT5FIRE]

It is a bit of workout (as in workout) carrying, splitting, stacking etc.. However, I figure I save at least 3-4 oil tank fill-ups over the course of the winter.

[upyourpump]

(It is a bit of workout (as in workout) carrying, splitting, stacking etc..)
I have two log splitters. They're not new but they work real well. One is 14 years old and the other one I've had for 19 years. Keep them well oiled and they should last a lifetime.
Only problem is.......The 19 year old will be going back to school out of state come august. It's already stacked...lol

[deraildinky]

Originally Posted by upyourpump

I have a fireplace insert as well for at least ten years. Burns wood or coal. Next to it, I installed a wood pellet stove. A ton of pellets cost about $255.00 Use the pellet at night and during the week when the house is empty. Use the wood/coal when we're all home to save on pellets since my wood is FREE!
Took my truck down to southern PA. to the coal mines and purchased a ton real cheap. ( would be rather expensive to pick it up now) That ton lasted at least three seasons because I use it on extra cold days/nights. The coal throws a ton of heat! I will probably purchase three tons of pellets this year. The Pellets and the wood I have already seasoned should get me thru the next heating season with no problem Thats under $800.00 for the season.

Check your Homeowner's Insurance Policy. I have Encompass Homeowners, and it stipulates in the policy, no woodburning stove, no trampoline.

[grumpydispatcher]

Trampolines don't provide very much heat.

[X120620]

really, ? I figured any tramp, wether lean or not would provide some heat..? hmmmmm....anyways......I just got locked in on budget for $319.00 a month 3 weeks ago...my neighbor decided to follow me this week..$488.00 per month...thats a new truck payment....it's outta control..and mine is figured with me having a natural gas fireplace which we run from 7-10 pm on cold nights and it helps alot...

[uselesskomish]

Everywhere I read, it says that wood pellets are expensive. Is it cheaper than oil?

[upyourpump]

Everything is cheaper than oil.
If you have a fireplace, Than an insert is the way to go.
FIT5FIRE is correct. get an insert that could burn wood/coal. Since i have one as well as a wood pellet stove, a gas stove yet to be installed in my bedroom and a free standing wood/coal stove upstate, I know alittle about alternative heating to say the least.
PM me if you want any more info on pellet stoves. The price quoted above is what I paid last year. (I do have a horror story about pellets from a few years ago) Home Depot and Lowes sells pellets as well..

[upyourpump]

Originally Posted by deraildinky

Check your Homeowner's Insurance Policy. I have Encompass Homeowners, and it stipulates in the policy, no woodburning stove, no trampoline.

The house has an original fireplace, so I'm covered.....

[Hasbeen]

It sucks all over brothers. Ex 9th battalion guy now living south of the mason dixon line and it costs $375 a month for electric and $75 for piped in CNG. ( "nothing like a gas dryer" ). My real gripe is why we are not paying a dollar a gallon for Iraqi oil!!!!!!!!!

[kye994]

If a fireplace insert is financially out of reach, what do you guys reccommend? I have an old fashioned Levitt style home where the fireplace is open to the kitchen and the living room. I use it all the time, but people always say you lose more heat than you gain with a fireplace. Suggestions??

[upyourpump]

Many years ago I closed off the kitchen side for a brother (another Ex-Capt.)on his levitt. and installed a brick Hearth in his living room side. I think he then installed those glass doors.... I think they also make a tubular rack which sits in the firebox and throws hot air into the room. Check it out or get in touch with fit5fire. Don't wait to long though

[uselesskomish]

pump - you arent allowed to receive PMs.

[upyourpump]

oops....think i fixed it..

[MFD594]

Soon you'll see 55 gallon drums of firewood in everyone's living rooms!!!

Its gonna be an interesting winter brothers- people burning all sortsa shit to stay warm and save a few bucks.

On the "simple side", add extra blankets.

On the other "simple side", crank the thermostat down to 68 instead of 72. 4 degrees on a 2 stry p/d will save ya some $$.

Also shut off "non-essential" baseboards/etc- if you're not gonna be in a certain room, why heat it?

[MFD594]

And to add, if ya have the $$ or option to, add a skylight or 2.

You'd be amazed how much a 3'x3' skylight heats up a place when the suns out but its 12 degrees outside (also when the sun is out & its 95 degrees outside!)