How to Buy a Used Wood Burning Stove

Wood stove

Used wood stoves are a good alternative if you are concerned about saving energy. Their cost is fifty percent less than their oil-fired central heating system counterparts. It is most common in rural areas and cold climate regions where wood is inexpensive and easily available.

Instructions

1. Research wood burning stoves online. Find out what the popular brand wood stoves are and visit their manufacturer's website. There you can find specifications and other useful information about different types of wood stoves.

2. Visit your local reputable stove dealers (if applicable). They can give you advice on which wood stoves are best.

3. Decide what type of wood stove you want. The most common types are "cast iron" and "welded steel" wood stoves. Cast iron are high cost, well made, visually appealing stoves that will need to be rebuild ever couple of years. Welded steel stoves are simpler in design but more cost effective.

4. Find a seller of used wood stoves. If your local dealer does not have them in stock, you can locate them through local newspaper listings and online through websites like Craigslist.org or eBay.com.

5. Visit the seller. Look at the construction of the stove. Is it durable? Wood stoves generate a lot of heat, which can cause a lot of wear and tear. Make sure the stove has replaceable internal parts. If they are welded in, they are difficult to repair or replace.

6. Check to see if the stove has a catalytic or non-catalytic combustion feature. Catalytic wood stoves produce heat through a ceramic honeycomb inside the stove, which results in steady heat output. However, they are complex to use and require more maintenance. Non-catalytic wood stoves produce a stronger flame and are more energy efficient.

7. Find out the amount of emissions the stove can produce. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)allow catalytic stoves to produce up to 4.1 emission waste per hour, while the non-catalytic versions are cannot produce more than 7.5 grams.

8. Consider where you are going to place the stove. Some types are more suitable for heating specific areas while others can heat the entire house.

Resources

• Wise Heat.com provides information and reviews on wood stoves