Ok, I live in the NE and got my first utility bill. Gas charges were $325. I would say the heat was only on for half the month.... So, a friend of mine is thinking of getting a pellet stove and suggested the same for me. I did some reading and understand the concept. Here is my question. We live in a 2 story house where the fireplace is pretty centrally located. Will thing heat most of the house? The thermostat for the boiler is in the same room of the fireplace. I would think that the stove would give off a false reading in the room and the heat (boiler) won't go on. So, stove on downstairs and nice and toasty. Will my upstairs be freezing? I have only one zone. Thoughts?

My baseboard heat is heated by a gas boiler. It has an electric spark ignition. I'm concerned that if the power goes out, I won't have heat. My heating guy said if I put a pilot light starter in place of the electric ignition. By doing that, if the power went out in my house, would I be able to heat the house?