Wood Burning Stoves Buying Guide

Why a wood stove? The answers are simple: they are a comforting, economical and environmentally friendly. Whether it's the warm glow of the fire, the sound of the wood crackling, or the deep penetrating warmth, wood stoves have a way of making people feel relaxed and right at home. Yet, in addition to ambiance, wood stoves today produce a low-cost heat that helps to protect winter air quality and reduce the threat of global warming.

Good News about Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are as popular as ever thanks to over a decade of research and development by stove manufacturers that has since raised the bar for all wood stoves. When compared to stoves sold during the energy crisis of the '70s, wood stoves manufactured since the early '90s are state-of-the-art appliances that produce almost no smoke at all. They are designed to burn wood efficiently with little tending while requiring less firewood and producing minimal ash. And, wood stove construction is now extremely durable and air tight, with clearances to walls that can in some instances be as little as six inches.

Designed for Style

Is your idea of a wood stove a pot-belly stove with a huge black pipe for venting? Think again. Wood stoves are now made from steel, cast-iron or soapstone, and are designed to blend in with a home's interior design. While performance is of the highest concert, wood stoves are manufactured with windows for viewing and are available in many styles and colors (even red!). And, that pipe it's now sleek and colored to match the stove.

As Zone Heaters

Many wood stoves have the capacity to heat an entire house (if the house has good internal air flow). Yet, wood stoves can also be installed as secondary zone heaters that will comfortably heat the areas of a home where the most activity normally occurs. Future wood stove owners will be excited to know that the heat levels can be easily maintained, for even extended periods of time, with little experience.

EPA Certified to Protect Air Quality

In an effort to reduce the amount of wood smoke that impacts neighborhoods and communities, it is required that wood stoves sold after July 1, 1992 are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This certification ensures that wood stoves produce less than 7.5 grams of smoke per hour, compared to approximately 42 grams of smoke emitted from the wood stoves manufactured and sold during the '70s and '80s. Certified wood stoves have a label on that back that reads Environmental Protection Agency.

Choosing a Wood Stove

Much like any other appliance, it is important to invest the time into properly choose the right wood stove to fit your needs. Before you make your final decision, visit a specialty retailer for experienced advice. A specialty retailer is a trained wood stove expert. He or she can arrange for the safe and reliable installation of a wood stove by a certified professional installer. Specialty retailers can also provide advice about available firewood, inform you about how to correctly operate a wood stove as well as what is required for proper maintenance.

Wood Stove Checklist

Information to consider when selecting a wood stove:

Type

How a stove functions and also how it generates heat are two central factors to consider when selecting a wood stove. There are two types of low emission wood burning technologies out there: Catalytic or Non-catalytic. There are also three different types of heat generation: Convection, Radiant, or a combination of both.

Size

Stoves can range from small to very large, but size is more about the amount of heat a stove can create (measured in BTUs). The key to selecting the right stove is determining the desired heat level for the area of the house to be heated.

Style

While traditionally wood stoves have been black with gold details, manufacturers now produce a wide variety of styles and looks that have turned wood stoves into an interior design element. Some style choices include the type of base (legs versus pedestal) and varying types of finishes, including various colors, porcelain or tile.

Features

Most wood stoves come with generous standard features: self-cleaning glass, reversible flues and hidden hinges being just some of the possibilities. Many manufacturers also offer optional accessories such as fans, wall heat shields and gold plated accents. Standard and optional features change depending on the manufacturer of the stove and stove model.

Location

A wood stove needs to be installed a certain distance away from combustible materials, such as doors and drapes. The distance from a wall can vary from stove to stove, but it can now be as little as six to twelve inches from a wall depending on the model. In most instances, the chosen installation area also needs to accommodate a hearth pad, made of brick or tile, for placement underneath the stove.

Venting

While wood stoves can be vented through the wall to the outside of the house, the primary venting choice is through an existing chimney or through the ceiling with high-tech piping.

Installation

Does adding a wood stove require a building permit in your area? What will your homeowners insurance allow? What are the specific installation issues posed by the construction of your house, such as the pitch of your roof? These are the some good questions to consider for the proper installation of your stove.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are very easy to operate and user-friendly, they do require a routine maintenance plan. It is recommended that chimneys be inspected annually (and cleaned as necessary) by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Other annual maintenance items include the replacement of seals and gaskets while more routine tasks include the touch up of external paint and the removal of ash.

Fuel Requirements

The best fuel for wood stoves is seasoned firewood. This refers to firewood that has been split and dried for at least six months. The firewood also needs to be stored outdoors, under cover, with enough opportunity for air to circulate.

Average Cost

The price of a wood stove is only part of the total cost of owning a wood stove. Other requirements include the cost of the chimney, installation, annual fuel costs and annual maintenance.

Wood Stove Benefits

• Efficient, low-cost heating for the home.
• Independence from utilities when the power goes out.
• Clean-burning technology only produces minimal smoke.
• Ambiance of real wood fire.
• Firewood is a readily available and sustainable fuel.