About Wood-Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves have become more popular with the increase in energy costs and greater attention to energy efficiency and environmental concerns. Wood and pellet-burning stoves come in all forms and in some cases may be better off than other heating options. However research has to be done to make sure that they fit your individual heating needs and suit the climate conditions where you live.

History and Evolution

Heating stoves have gone from open wood fires from the earliest times to enclosed stoves with properly controlled heating available today. The first enclosed wood stove came on the scene in the 18th century. One design was the one invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1742. These stoves have since evolved into the variety of options available today that burn wood, pellets and even gas.

Features

There are certain features found in all wood and pellet-burning that you should be on the look out for when deciding which stove to buy.
1. The size of the ash pan determines how often it is emptied and how hands-on you are with your stove.
2. With automatic ignition you no longer need matches or starter-gel, as it is started by electricity.
3. A back-up battery or portable generator keeps your stove working in the event of a power failure.
4. A built-in thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature of the room by controlling how much heat the stove produces.
5. The size of the hopper determines how often you will need to refill pellets.
6. Aesthetically, the size of the viewing window determines how much of the flames you get to see.

Types

While there are a variety of wood and pellet burning stoves to choose from with various finishes and aesthetics, the two main types of stoves are free standing and inserts. A freestanding stove like the name implies stands on its own and comes with its own venting system which of course should go along with the current look and feel of your home and your lifestyle. Inserts are usually inserted into an existing fireplace and incorporated into the chimney or vent system you already have in your home.

Cost

Be prepared to spend at least $1000 if you are installing a new wood burning stove. Whatever design you choose, you most likely will spend at least $750 for the stove and anywhere from $250 and higher for the installation. If you already have a fireplace, it is best to get an insert and use the existing chimney or vent in your home. If you don't have a fireplace, getting a freestanding stove is a good way to go.

Energy Efficiency

Wood burning stoves definitely increase energy efficiency in your home especially compared to an ordinary open fireplace which often causes everywhere else in the home to become cold. Also fireplaces have an energy efficiency rate of about 25 percent. In order to heat your home in the most efficient and cost effective way, you not only have to take into consideration the type of appliance, its cost and efficiency, but also the cost of the fuel and its heating value. For a true cost analysis, use the link in Resources below to a Department of Energy heating fuel comparison calculator.

Resources

• Consumer Reports on wood- and pellet-burning stoves
• Information on deciding the right stove for you
• DOE heating fuel comparison calculator