Wood burning stove as Primary Heating Source

[porridge]

Hi,

I am about to start a selfbuild project and would appreciate some advice.

The plan is:

• Make the house as energy efficient as possible ie. insulate to A3 standard, airtight and MHRV system. Large glazing area to the south etc.
• Install Solar panels for hot water heating
• Install a wood burning stove downstairs with a hot air ventilation system to some rooms eg, kitchen, upstairs hallway etc.

I do not plan to install rads or UFH. I will use an electric heater to top-up my hot water for domestic use. The house is 3500sq ft and the output of the Stove is 15kW.

The “expert’s” advice on this is conflicting, some say go for it, sure it’s used on the France/Germany all the time. Others are more conservative and recommend installing OFCH and rads………just in case.

Thus far I haven’t meet anyone with one of these vented woodburning stoves in operation. Has anyone come across one/any experience of using one?

Thanks

Porridge