What About Heat?

    If I lost power for over a week in winter we'd be in serious trouble and/or dying of cold.   I have small emergency heaters and a large portable K-1 heater we use in outages, but with the cost of fuel it's getting to the point I need alternative heat sources.  The house is set up for a wood stove.  There are air returns and heat grates on each floor.  I am surrounded by trees.  The choice seems a bit obvious.

    However, money is an issue.  I can only move in stages.  First I need to clean the basement out so I can get to the chimney, then I need the chimney inspected.  I'm almost positive it will need repair.  That will be the third step.   Finding an affordable wood stove that will heat the entire house is going to be the hardest part.