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About how to select a right wood stove
Like any other major appliance purchase, purchasing a wood stove
requires that you do a certain amount of research before hand.
To ensure that you buy just the right stove, it is recommended that you
visit with a retailer that specializes in wood stoves. The retailer will
be able to arm you with all of the information you need to make an
intelligent purchase, as well as be able to provide you with
professional installation. Your local stove retailer may even be able to
provide you with information of local sources of firewood, and will give
you valuable information on stove operation and maintenance.
When choosing a wood stove for your home, there are two basic choices to
make. Most wood stoves that produce low emissions come in one of two
basic styles, catalytic or non-catalytic. Also, stoves generate their
heat in one of three different ways: Convection, Radiant, or a
combination of the two.
Wood stoves range in size, but more importantly is the amount of heat
that they can generate. The heat a stove generates is measured British
Thermal Units (BTUs). The biggest factor you need to take into account
when choosing a stove is the amount of heat you need your stove to
generate for your comfort.
When deciding on the location for your wood stove installation, take
into account that your stove needs to be installed a safe distance away
from walls and flammable materials, such as drapes and doors. Some
stoves on the markets are extremely well insulated and can be installed
with as little as 6 to 12 inches of clearance from walls. In almost all
instances, you need to allow for installation of a hearth pad
constructed from tile or brick for underneath the stove.
Venting is a very important to consider and plan for when installing
your new wood stove. Existing chimneys in your home can be used, as well
as venting your stove through a wall to the outside air.
Modern wood stoves are worlds apart from the old pot bellied stoves of
yore. With features such as self-cleaning glass, reversible flues, and
hidden hinges, modern wood stoves are as attractive and easy to use as
they are functional. Many stove manufacturers have additional options
available, such as wall-mounted heat shields, fans, and gold plated
accents.
Wood stoves are now so much more than a source of heat. With stoves
available in so many styles other than black with gold details, they are
a serious piece to your interior design puzzle. You can choose between
different types of bases for your stove, such as legs or pedestals, as
well as different finishes, such as porcelain, or tile, and different
colors of finishes.
In some areas of the country, the addition of a wood-burning stove to
your home requires a building permit. Also, make sure that your
homeowner’s insurance policy will allow you to install a wood stove in
your home. Do the unique design elements of your home, such as the pitch
of the roof make installation more complicated? These are some of the
questions you need to ask before you begin the installation process.
Wood stoves are very convenient to use, but they do require regular
routine maintenance to maintain their efficiency and ease of use. Your
chimney needs to be inspected and cleaned annually by a certified
chimney sweep. You also need to check and replace the gaskets and seals
periodically. It is recommended that you also remove the ash from your
stove often, as well as touch up the exterior paint.
Seasoned and cured firewood is usually the best fuel source for your
wood stove. Wood used in a wood-burning stove needs to be split and
dried for six months or more, and stored outside, under cover, but in
such a way as to allow ample air circulation.
The cost of owning a wood-burning stove is made up of many parts,
including the initial purchase price. You also need to budget for the
cost of the chimney, installation, maintenance, and the cost of an
annual supply of fuel.
Resources:
pellet stoves guide |
pellet stoves sites |
pellet stoves recommend
pellet stoves sources |
