How We Are Going to Burn Half the Amount of Firewood This Winter | Ashley Hearth Products Wood Stove

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience upgrading to a new Ashley Hearth wood stove after using an old, inefficient model for years. The new stove has dramatically reduced firewood consumption by half, making the home warmer and more energy-efficient. The video highlights the installation process, improved efficiency, and how the stove saves money and time while reducing environmental impact. The creator reflects on the improvements in both functionality and comfort, emphasizing the benefits of modern stoves for those with outdated systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new wood stove has significantly reduced firewood consumption, cutting it in half compared to the old stove.
• 🔥 The wood stove installed is an Ashley Hearth Products 2000 sq ft model, designed to heat a 2,000 square foot house.
• 🛠️ The installation of the new stove was relatively easy and took only about a day, even with little prior experience.
• ❌ The old wood stove was inefficient, burning through firewood quickly and often requiring a log every 20 to 30 minutes.
• 🚪 The old stove had multiple issues, including warped doors, cracks, and outdated decorations, which made it less effective and safe.
• 🌡️ The new stove maintains heat much longer and can keep the house warm throughout the night, especially with softwood.
• 🌳 The efficiency of the new stove is evident, as the same amount of firewood lasts longer, with only one IBC tote emptied every few days instead of both.
• 🕑 The stove's improved efficiency reduces the frequency of reloading, with logs only needing to be added every 1-2 hours for heating or every 3 hours for maintaining temperature.
• 💰 The upgrade to the new stove has saved money on firewood purchases, as fewer trips to the National Forest are needed to collect firewood.
• ♻️ The modern stove is environmentally friendlier, producing less visible smoke and using less wood, making it a more sustainable choice.

Q & A

What were the main reasons for upgrading the wood stove?

The old wood stove was inefficient, had issues like warped doors and a crack in the top, and posed safety risks. Additionally, it consumed a large amount of firewood, and the air quality in the house was affected by its inefficiency.

What type of wood stove was installed as a replacement?

An Ashley Hearth Products 2000 sq. ft. wood burning stove was installed, which is designed to heat a 2,000 square foot house, matching the size of the user's home.

How did the old wood stove affect firewood consumption?

The old wood stove consumed firewood at a high rate, requiring a new log to be added every 20 to 30 minutes. In colder months, it would burn through firewood quickly and leave the coals cold by morning, requiring a restart of the fire.

How much firewood did the old stove consume annually?

The old stove burned through 5 to 6 cords of wood each winter, primarily in the colder part of the year.

What improvements were observed with the new stove?

The new stove significantly reduced firewood consumption, requiring about half the amount of firewood compared to the old stove. It also provided better heat retention, with the ability to keep coals overnight for an easy restart in the morning.

How was the installation of the new stove carried out?

The installation was relatively straightforward, completed in one day. The process involved adapting the chimney from 8 inches to 6 inches to fit the new stove, with some minor retrofitting required.

What difference was noticed in the wood storage after installing the new stove?

The amount of firewood used in storage has halved. Previously, the two IBC totes of firewood would be emptied every 3 to 4 days with the old stove, but now only one tote is emptied in the same time frame.

How does the new stove compare to the old one in terms of environmental impact?

The new stove is much more efficient, producing less smoke and consuming less wood. This results in fewer trips to gather firewood, reducing environmental impact and cost.

What specific benefits does the new stove provide in terms of heating efficiency?

The new stove is EPA-certified, meaning it burns wood more efficiently, with heat being better contained in the home rather than lost through the chimney. This improves overall heating and reduces the amount of fuel needed.

How has the switch to a more efficient wood stove impacted the household's heating and fuel expenses?

The switch has resulted in significant savings on firewood, reducing the need for frequent trips to gather wood, and has also likely lowered heating costs. The new stove keeps the house warmer with less wood and provides better overnight heat retention.