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durpdurpturd t1_issx1u1 wrote

I have a vermont castings epa stove and we only use it in the coldest months Dec - March and don’t let it go out during that time. We only use 3 cords at the most. There’s an oil back-up for the coldest days and the shoulder seasons. Not sure what people are using to burn through 7 cords.

Also if you want cheap firewood order a log load. Buck it up and split it yourself to save some money.
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sorrycharlie88 t1_issyl4m wrote

House size, stove size, stove efficiency, multiple stoves, old leaky house, poor attic insulation, no/minimal oil backup use, heat preference, etc.

For me: 5-6 cords, large EPA stove, 175 year old house with shit insulation, tend to only use oil in fall and spring and prefer to prevent it from kicking in over night/early morning and while away during the day so I basically always have the living room stove burning. On sub zero stretches I have an old non epa stove with an air blower in the basement that really pumps out heat. Can go lower than 5 cords if I burn more oil and can go more than 6 if I burn no oil.

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sorrycharlie88 t1_ist7n7m wrote

Also, just thought of another thing. Depending on where you live and the particular year at hand, the heating season may well run from September through May, or somewhere inside of those months. While fuel use during those tails might be vastly lower than mid winter that still means an 8-9 month heating season, and depending on those other factors I mentioned it would certainly be possible to burn an exceptional amount more than your 3 cords. This is especially true considering you say you only burn for 3 months.

Plus some people simply might not be well versed/skilled with their stoves even if they have an efficient EPA stove like yours and don't operate them at proper efficiency. So many factors, now that I think about it.

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Ambitious_Ask_1569 t1_isuhu6b wrote

2 old Castings Defiant's. In an old Vt farmhouse. If you are willing to do the work.... definitely cheaper with wood. If you are burning with a catalyst and buying kiln dried-toss up. Really depends on the house and stove.

I love wood heat and between shoveling and heating I guess it keeps me in shape.

Edit- We go 10 chord a year.

Also, If you are going to avoid oil-BUY YOUR WOOD NOW. By January there wont be much to be found and it will be pricy if you can find it.

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