measured our heating oil..

[mamita]

and with one of the worst Januarys we've ever had, we only used 30 gals. thanks to my Oslo. used 3 cords of wood, with 2 left, I think we can feel pretty pleased. sure, lots of winter left, BUT we've also been warmer than we've ever been! this was one winter where we just honestly feel Oslo was the best purchase we ever...ever made. first winter here that the lowest temp was 70 indoors. saweeeeet. and lots of heating oil to spare.

[weedlady]

this past fall. I agree. we are warm and cozy and the gas bill is next to nothing! one of our wiser purchases. (we've made alot of purchases that weren't very wise
martha

[MJFarms]

What is Oslo??????

[pinemead]

Since I'm sitting here in the cold with no hot water either because I ran out of oil late today, I wish I had an Oslo - or something that would produce a little heat.

[RVcook]

Originally Posted by pinemead

Since I'm sitting here in the cold with no hot water either because I ran out of oil late today, I wish I had an Oslo - or something that would produce a little heat.

This is precisely why I think everyone should have a backup heating source.

We spent over $2100 on propane last year to provide heat, hot water and cooking fuel. This year, we've only spent $750 for a "fill" before the season started and we are now at 40% full.

Investing the money we would have spent on propane instead to line an existing chimney which vents an add on wood furnace will give us payback in about 2 heating seasons. Money well-spent as far as I'm concerned.

RVcook

[BethW]

Is this the one you have?

http://www.prestontradingpost.com/jotul_oslo_f500.htm

DH is really pushing for a woodstove, but we're not at home during the day and the thought of fire in our 165 year old frame house scares me. The fuel savings sure makes it tempting though.

[mamita]

that's it, Beth. I'm home all day, but often don't start the fire until around noon. we burn it until bedtime, usually around 10. the furnace is set back at night to 55, and doesn't come on until the thermostat kicks it up to 62 at 4AM when I get up. around 8 I bump back the furnace, so it's only running a couple hours max. I love the savings, because I'm sure oil prices will climb again.

some warmer days (like around freezing, but with sun) I don't start the fire until around 4, and it keeps us toasty til morning. that might work for you.

[BethW]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I did some research on the Oslo and like you, lots of folks are very happy with theirs. I love the way it looks, too. You've given me something to think about, considering our 50 year old furnace is an oil guzzling beast!

[eam]

We have an Oslo F500 too and mostly like it. The one thing I don't like, and it's significant to us, is that I can't cook on the stovetop. It just doesn't get hot enough. Because of the design of the stove, there's lots of piping and insulation at the top of the stove (inside the fuel box) causing the top cooking surface to not be very effective.

When we had our Vermont Castings stove, I did almost all my cooking (and even some baking) on the stove in the winter. Not any more.....

This may not matter to lots of people but thought I'd add my two cents.

Elizabeth

[BethW]

Elizabeth, I was just wondering about that last night. Thanks for the input

[WindowOrMirror]

Gotta love that Jotul, eh? We have an Oslo as well. 2,500 square feet toasty warm.