How capable are you? I am a " senior citizen" myself and somewhat capable, but I am not up to loading a 1/2 cord of wood onto the front porch anymore. Got adult children or grandkids to help with this once a year task? Do you have a wood shed? Are you willing to construct it? Do you even have wood available at a reasonable cost?
I really like wood stoves, but on the coldest nights you may have to get up and throw in a couple 1/2 logs to make it to morning. I particularly enjoy the windowed units and they are not ridiculously costl;y.
What is your current heating system? Hydronic gas or oil-fired boiler? A FHA Furnace? Electric?
A Pellett stove can be easier and efficient with fuel, but they are insanely pricey now - the same cost or more than a medium sized boiler. You may have to store at least a pallet of the stuff (depending on home sq-footage and insulation) - and the bags are HEAVY. Also pellet stoves don't work during a power outage unless you run a compact generator or an inverter and battery pile - this option can become very costly and troublesome. Also you may need a new stove chimney install and wall perforation depending on placement; again added cost.
Need more data and feedback.
