worthy -- thanks for replying... unfortunately, I can not slide in the XPS behind the studs. By local code, we had to install fire blocking on the end of the wall. So now it is closed off. And, I can't install XPS in between the studs becuase I already have electrical and piping running through the studs. The gap between the wall and the stud is only a little more than 1/2". So even if I could slide in the XPS behind the studs, I would only get about r 3 value.... Thats why I figured it is almost better to put no insulation. The pipes arent gonna freeze; Plus, if I do get moisture back there, then there will be no fiberglass insulation to get wet. With no insulation, the wall will just dry out. (with the help of my dehumidifers and the bathroom vent fan, of course) If I get a chance, I will post a picture tonight of the studded wall with the roughed-in plumbing and electrical. thanks again. mm I'll try to post a picture later....

You should check the owners/installation manual from the liner. Some REQUIRE that it be insulated to maintain the UL listing. Since you are in a colder area, I suggest wrapping it in the recommended insulation. The stove will draw better, it won't accumulate creosote as fast since it is staying warmer, and it will be safer. I'm going to guess that you have not had a chim-scan done on the structural integrity of your chimney. In assuming so, then you do not know if there are cracks that could expose your home, especially your attic, to fire dangers should they get heated up too much and if there is not the proper clearances to the liner.

Signs Your Home Is Under-Insulated. https://www.cooling-heating.net/ Water Leaks in the Attic Just as poor insulation lets the heat out of your home, it also tends to let water in. Water has a much easier time finding its way into a poorly-insulated home than a well-insulated one. If you’re experiencing a leaky attic, your insulation may be part of the problem. Leaks are a sign that you should get your insulation replaced as soon as possible! Water damage can cause many costly problems down the road, including mold issues, so give leaks prompt attention. At A+ Insulation, we can handle all kinds of attic insulation problems. Ice Dams on Your Roof A sign of poor insulation that you may notice during a Kansas City winter, aside from soaring heating bills, are ice dams. Ice dams occur when heat (rising from your poorly-insulated home) melts the bottom layer of snow off of your roof. The melted water then trickles down towards your gutters and may begin to freeze once it hits the cooler air. The result is large chunks of ice and oversized icicles, called ice damming. It can wreak havoc on your roof and your gutter, not to mention it can turn into a safety hazard for those below. Frozen Pipes Frozen pipes in your walls are also huge indicators that you have an insulation problem. Proper insulation protects your home from damage caused by Kansas City’s freezing temperatures. Poorly insulated exterior walls can cause frozen pipes, which can burst. This can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Investing in crawl space insulation can also make a huge difference to your pipes as well.

Attics should always be vented. The purpose of the ventilation is allow moisture to escape. If moisture is trapped you could have a mold problem. Since you have the soffit vents, a roof contractor may be able to add a ridge vent. If that is not possible then adding so other types of vents should not be difficult. The soffit vents take in the air, but you need vents near to the peak allow the air to exhaust. You want the attic to be as cold as possible. This will prevent ice damming in the winter. The insulation on the floor is what keeps the house warm and cool, not the roof deck. The insulation should be at least R30, and preferably R38. More is always better, but you don't have to get carried away. You quickly hit the law of diminishing returns. Sealing is good, but I am not sure how much of a pay back it brings. Air can still flow through the loose insulation so adding more on top does nothing for sealing. I don't see the need to wait. You have about an R-13 to R-19 insulation rating now. I suggest getting some quotes and having it done in the fall when temperatures are mild.