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chillysurfer t1_j18fssp wrote

I’m getting a Vermont Castings stove installed this winter and super excited for the heat and the ambience!

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SouthernButterbean t1_j18igdu wrote

We're on our 2nd VC stove. First one lasted 20+ years. They work great.

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stayradicchio t1_j18nmir wrote

Once you dial in how to use the catalytic converter it is such an efficient stove.

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SouthernButterbean t1_j18romd wrote

Absolutely! Burn only hard, dry wood & clean the stove regularly. No soft woods like pine.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j18sl28 wrote

omg... people burn pine indoors? seriously? chimney fire waiting to happen.

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New-Patient4993 t1_j1a063w wrote

Creosote is formed from moisture in the wood. Pine dries quicker than hardwood but make sure that the pine is below 20% moisture in it. Also all wood creates creosote. Keeping your chimney swept once a year keeps things safe. Pine will work fine if it’s dry. It doesn’t hold as many btus as hardwood though.

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SouthernButterbean t1_j18tia5 wrote

We have our chimney inspected regularly. In all the years we've used a combustor, we've never had to clean it beyond the crap that collects at cleanout door. We have friends that will burn anything, and with living in the woods, there's a lot of pine LOL.

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IamSauerKraut t1_j18v3g1 wrote

I've heard the stories from firefighter relatives who've worked creosote fires.

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eljefino t1_j1ao9n0 wrote

You can burn 20% pine if it's dry enough and you have the stove cranked before you put one piece in.

Better than throwing a windfall away.

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haddamant t1_j1ch0kk wrote

Our catalytic converter failed about 15 years ago and we have threatened to fix it but never have. Works great. Just lucky I guess.

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Haitsmelol t1_j1aiakv wrote

I'm seeing your stove fantasy and upping you a combo wood stove + renewable powered heat pump.

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eljefino t1_j1aoce3 wrote

I run my heat pump above 15 out and the stove below that point. Otherwise the stove cooks me out.

Obviously I don't have insulation like OP.

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haddamant t1_j1cgtcz wrote

I was feeding my Defiant tonight at 30 below and feeling great about it. Ive used 4 or 5 brands of stoves in the last 50 years but its the best for heat and efficiency and ease of use.

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