Just got back from helping D&L unload a pallet-load of stove pellets. They spend a brazillion dollars on this super-sophisticated computer-controlled pellet stove with electric motors on the inlet and the outlet and electric controls on the augur and heaven only knows what else, and they’ve had nothing but trouble with it. Turns out, after sending it back to the factory twice because it wouldn’t burn clean and sometimes filled up with clinkers and wouldn’t burn at all, it’s just really picky about what brand of pellet you feed it. So no more dropping by K-Mart and loading the pickup with whatever they’ve got. Seems like a lot of trouble to be put to by a stove that’s supposed to be so superior…
So we unloaded something like 40 sacks of pellets, with D much improved but still on somewhat light duty, and of course that’s my other big objection to pellet stoves. They only burn the one fuel, which costs more than propane and is harder to get. Not really seeing the advantage here.
But the timing is good, because we’re getting ready to be socked in. After a much milder and sunnier early December than any sinful man deserves, the forecast says winter has arrived. Today it’s still fairly mild though very windy, but it’s supposed to be rain and snow and more wind with cold by this evening. I’m in good shape here for an extended blow, but L got a little concerned over their pellet stockpile. So we went and took care of that.
“Not really seeing the advantage here.”
A cracked copper line won’t leak out 100 pounds of newly-purchased fuel. It’s been years and I’m still irritated about that. OTOH, propane means no repeatedly humping heavy bags.
The other one is – I’m not as spry as I once was. Lots of folks don’t take into account the ‘slowing down’ when building their dream home.
My grandmother had a pellet stove in her last house. It gave her a couple years of crappy service before it failed completely. We replaced it with a Franklin stove in the middle of her living room. No electricity needed, much cheaper to own and operate, and she could handle it just fine.
Between your mammoth wood pile, your newly improved lair, and your two big dogs, you will hopefully stay snug.