I have had both.......First a Vermont Castings Wood stove. It fed from the top.......that was great for filling it right to the brim, so it could work all night.
When we got all our wood free......our heat for the entire winter was just "one" tank of oil...and that was for hot water also. It is tremendously nice heat. Ok, but the cutting and splitting is big work. The wood took 8 cords per winter.
Some years we paid for the wood, it was costly. Especially if it is split already.
Always having to clean the flue every month was a job. And using the brush from the roof in, was also a job.........can't be done in the snow either.
Ok then we got in another home and the pellet stove. I prefer it......but it is work also.
The bags are 40lbs. Each bag lasts about two days. The bags were heavy lugging up the stairs, Whew........
This stove gives equally good, warm, heat. It works on its own and will turn off when empty. It has a heat regulator. I would suggest getting one with a battery back up. Because when the electric goes off, so does the stove.
This must be cleaned once a week too. Then every two months or so, per your booklet instructions......the side must come off for a more through cleaning of the baffles.
The outside pipe must be vacumed.....yes, it will get sawdust in it......and you will wonder why your stove is not performing.
If you don't take off the side and clean the inner parts.......you will swear the pellets are not good and wind up trying all different brands. Believe me, its not the pellets......it is your stove needing cleaning.
If I had to choose one now........I'd choose the pellet. Its easier to run by and pick up the bags, or have a ton delivered for a certain price. They run nicely.Good hot heat.
I heated two stories of our home. The lower story was beyond reach. Those stories were about 1550 sq feet......I don't know how large of a stove you'd need to do all that area. Sure sounds to me like you'd almost need two. One in each area......because three thousand square feet is a lot.
I am surprised you have a electric heat pump system. From what I have read they are not good below 32 degrees. They are rarely in the northern climates.
Believe me I use to stack all eight cords, loved doing it.........but........as time goes on, you head for the " little bit easier"
For cleaning you will need the special vacume, or.........soot will go all over......yes, with the shop vac......it sure will.......I leaned the hard way.
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pellet
