Getting ready for this winter

[rurallib]

To prepare for this winter we have purchased a corn burner that will hopefully be out main source of heat. Saw them at the alternative energy expo in Cedar Rapids in August and decided we'd better get one. This will give us an alternate source of heat and we won't have to be at the mercy of the gas company. I feel good that we will be using a renewable resource grown in Iowa.
Plus we have insulated the heck out of the attic, laid in a supply of wood for the wood stove, got a ceiling fan that will add heat to the mixture and will be caulking the windows next week.
Hope that is enough to keep the gas company out of my billfold.

[Debi]

1. Good luck to you!

I'm really frightened about the cost of LP this year. Hopefully it will be the warm winter we keep hearing about (or is that just happy talk so we don't get scared?) :scared:

[progressoid]

2. My parents just purchased one also!

We are looking into a high efficiency fireplace insert. Currently, we have the fireplace sealed off because of it's inefficiency. Problem is the initial cost is a little high.

Our bigger problem is old windows. Going to work on sealing those in the next couple weeks.

[rurallib]

3. Got a fireplace insert a few years back myself

We use it all the time, but as I understand it, it is not nearly as efficient as the corn will be. Plus, it is hard to keep it going all night.
We also have the old window problem. I am hoping that plastic covering and rope caulk will do the trick. If you have any other ideas I'd love to hear them.

[progressoid]

4. Last year, I tried something that worked well in some of our windows

In the windows that we don't need to see out of in the winter, I cut 3/4" styrofoam to fit tightly into the window opening. However, I found that in a couple windows, moisture collected behind the styrofoam and caused a mildew problem. This year, I'm going to add some shrink film on the inside to prevent the moisture issue.

It kept a lot of warmth from escaping, if you don't mind some of your windows looking completely white from the outside.

[4dsc]

9. The best idea for everyone

I am hoping that plastic covering and rope caulk will do the trick.

I have been using plastic coverings and rope caulk around windows since the 1980's. Its the best way I know of keeping out the drafts and it really works.. Especially if you ever notice condensation on the outside of you windows, you are losing heat. With plastic covering, I have noticed no condensation..

I'm going to do my parents place this year as they have a huge old house and I'm sure their heating bills will be outragious!!

[pstans]

5. I am considering doing this

About hot much did it cost you and how much of an area does it heat?

[rurallib]

6. The total cost of the burner, installation, piping and corn for the winter

came to around $3,000. (I got a heck of a deal so mine was less).
We have a two-story older house that is basically 30' x 30'. According to the guy we bought it from, the corn burner should handle the whole house unless it gets super cold. He has heated his house (similar old farm house type)with a corn burner for years. He cited several others who had similar results.
WIth this guy (century farms harvest heat in IC)he throws in the corn for $300 plus a storage bin. The $300 is his price for the whole heating season. He's a farmer on the side and this is his 'edge' to get business.
Based on our budget bills + 50% we would be looking at @ $1200 or more for heat this winter. If we spend say $300 + another $200 for some gas we save @$700. At $700 a year the burner pays for itself in about 4 years.
The CR Gazette had an article awhile back on corn stoves. One guy said he hadn't run his gas furnace in 2years, saving over $1000/ year.
There are now units that hook into the duct work and run off a thermostat. There is little ash and the exhaust is essentially non polluting.

[pstans]

7. Cool

I am probably going to be moving next summer, so I think I will tough out this winter. The next house I move into, I will probably be staying in longer, and will get something like this installed.

[Hobarticus]

8. Just bought new windows, just in time it seems

Hope that helps ease the pain.