Has anyone added the reflective insulation AFTER a year without? How was the change?

[starremi]

Hi All,

I'm wondering how much the reflective

insulation

really does. I live in Oregon in a geodesic

dome

from Pacific Domes in Ashland, OR. We moved into it on April 1 of last year and got enough of a taste of the cold to know we need to prepare this year.

Our initial thought is that we'll start with a wood stove and no

insulation

, and we'll only add the insulation if that isn't enough. From our perspective, burning another cord of wood is cheaper than insulating it.

That said, I am wondering if anyone has direct experience going from no insulation, to having the reflective stuff?

I've read this discussion:
http://www.yurtforum.com/forums/yurt...ion-139-3.html

And I am inclined to think that insulation may be more cost hassle than it's worth in moderate Oregon, especially given the odd shape of the geodesic

dome

. We're hoping a nice dry fire with no insulation will prevent mold and only cost an extra cord or two of wood.