HoneysuckleHills. Couple comments...............
Good news is you are burning at least a years worth split and dry. If you really want to get serious they have moisture meters you can buy.
Burning wood the right way is all about it being TRULY seasoned.
We've used wood heat as only source of heat since 1992.
During that time due to health issues there was a few years where I was burning wood only split 6 months.
You can tell a big difference between that and two year old wood.
If you have the space, $$$, try to get a two year supply.
Burning two year old split wood not only will you receive more heat you will go through less wood. It is definitely worth it. Three years even better.
I doubt you get an over night burn in that due to space available for wood.
I have a bigger one then you and still don't get it.
CR's has enough room to get the over night burn with fir.
Look into what the cost would be to clean your own pipes. I can't believe that so called professional said only every two or three years.
Oh sure some people get lucky but if you have ever watched your neighbors house start to burn down due to lack of maintenance reality sets in.
You can buy the brushes for $10.00. Not sure if there is a stick that bends through your curves or they take them apart but you do it once you'll find out it isn't that hard.
Wood stoves are the best heat there is but I want to know my family is safe. I clean mine twice a year. At beginning of season and mid season.
The amount of money you'd spend buying hardwoods my guess is you'd be WAY ahead buying those logs for .90 on sale this weekend.
When we want heat through the night with embers in the morning we throw one of those in right before bed.
When it's warm like last night we don't use one because the fire lasts into the night and the house is so warm it stays fine even when the fire goes out.
Here is a great place to educate ones self about burning wood.
http://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/