The Best Wood Stoves: How Do You Pick The Right One?
The popularity with wood stoves has increased greatly over the last few years.
This is due in part to the increasing high cost of fuel to heat our homes but they have also become more efficient due to newer research and technology.
They are considered more economical and environmentally friendly.
Their source of fuel, wood, is renewable and cheap.
However, choosing the best wood stoves from the hundreds of models available, takes a bit of research.
Wood stoves are generally made of cast iron, welded steel, soapstone, or porcelain or a combination of these materials.
They are available in various sizes, shapes and designs from classic, traditional to very contemporary.
Even refurbished antique stoves are in demand and have become an alternative to traditional fireplaces.
They are considered a beautiful and functional part of many homes.
With more homeowners considering the purchase of a wood stove for the aesthetic looks as well as the benefits of burning wood.
Many people want to know what are the best stoves for heating performance? Experts in the industry say that there really is no difference, however, cast iron stoves appear to be preferred because of their looks and large selection available.
Welded steel stoves are similar to the cast iron, however, they require a little more maintenance.
Soapstone stoves with their beautiful natural stone add to the decor in a home.
Decisions to be made, such as will it be your primary heat source or a secondary source for warm, cozy nights around the fireplace? The best wood stoves are approximately 30% more efficient than most of today's central heaters.
They have longer burn times than the prior older models and give lasting heat for hours.
Wood stoves are classed by the heat output and heat capacity which is a measurement in British Thermal Units (BTU's).
The majority of today's wood stoves produce between 25,000 and 80,000 BTU's, comfortably heating homes from 1000 to 2000 sq ft.
, depending on age, insulation, condition and number of floors.
Another choice is to purchase catalytic or non-catalytic stoves.
Years ago, there was concern with the catalytic stoves, but technology has improved these stoves greatly.
Catalytic stoves will provide more heat and have a longer heat output, however, they require more maintenance such as cleaning, repairing or replacing parts They also require some technical knowledge and are more expensive, however, they can burn up to 40 hours and use one-third less wood.
Non-catalytic burners provide brighter and more attractive fire, less maintenance and are easier to use.
Some will decide on a stove that provides maximum heat and economy with some knowledge required.
Others will look for the stoves that provide beautiful heat and ease of use.
All wood stoves sold in the USA, must be EPA approved and are low-emission designed with-or-without the catalytic converters.
Benefits of wood stoves are cost effective heating during cold weather.
They can provide the total heat or support other heating sources such as coal, oil, natural gas or electric, thus reducing the overall heating costs.
They are life savers during power outrageous.
Wood is a cheap source of fuel compared to other fuel types.
A cord of wood costs approximately $150 to $200 and most homes require 3 cords or less per year.
They create less ash and smoke than traditional fireplaces.
The disadvantageous are they heat up and can be dangerous to small children and pets.
You'll need to buy a cord or two, or cut your own and store the firewood.
As you will need to fill your stove with wood, there is some exercise involved, and you'll need to clean the ashes at least weekly or depending on amount of usage.
It is recommended that you check local regulations regarding the use of wood stoves as they may differ from one state to another.
Also research which stoves qualify for the 30% US government tax credit.
Expect to pay from $500.
00 to $3000.
00 for a wood stove.
This is due in part to the increasing high cost of fuel to heat our homes but they have also become more efficient due to newer research and technology.
They are considered more economical and environmentally friendly.
Their source of fuel, wood, is renewable and cheap.
However, choosing the best wood stoves from the hundreds of models available, takes a bit of research.
Wood stoves are generally made of cast iron, welded steel, soapstone, or porcelain or a combination of these materials.
They are available in various sizes, shapes and designs from classic, traditional to very contemporary.
Even refurbished antique stoves are in demand and have become an alternative to traditional fireplaces.
They are considered a beautiful and functional part of many homes.
With more homeowners considering the purchase of a wood stove for the aesthetic looks as well as the benefits of burning wood.
Many people want to know what are the best stoves for heating performance? Experts in the industry say that there really is no difference, however, cast iron stoves appear to be preferred because of their looks and large selection available.
Welded steel stoves are similar to the cast iron, however, they require a little more maintenance.
Soapstone stoves with their beautiful natural stone add to the decor in a home.
Decisions to be made, such as will it be your primary heat source or a secondary source for warm, cozy nights around the fireplace? The best wood stoves are approximately 30% more efficient than most of today's central heaters.
They have longer burn times than the prior older models and give lasting heat for hours.
Wood stoves are classed by the heat output and heat capacity which is a measurement in British Thermal Units (BTU's).
The majority of today's wood stoves produce between 25,000 and 80,000 BTU's, comfortably heating homes from 1000 to 2000 sq ft.
, depending on age, insulation, condition and number of floors.
Another choice is to purchase catalytic or non-catalytic stoves.
Years ago, there was concern with the catalytic stoves, but technology has improved these stoves greatly.
Catalytic stoves will provide more heat and have a longer heat output, however, they require more maintenance such as cleaning, repairing or replacing parts They also require some technical knowledge and are more expensive, however, they can burn up to 40 hours and use one-third less wood.
Non-catalytic burners provide brighter and more attractive fire, less maintenance and are easier to use.
Some will decide on a stove that provides maximum heat and economy with some knowledge required.
Others will look for the stoves that provide beautiful heat and ease of use.
All wood stoves sold in the USA, must be EPA approved and are low-emission designed with-or-without the catalytic converters.
Benefits of wood stoves are cost effective heating during cold weather.
They can provide the total heat or support other heating sources such as coal, oil, natural gas or electric, thus reducing the overall heating costs.
They are life savers during power outrageous.
Wood is a cheap source of fuel compared to other fuel types.
A cord of wood costs approximately $150 to $200 and most homes require 3 cords or less per year.
They create less ash and smoke than traditional fireplaces.
The disadvantageous are they heat up and can be dangerous to small children and pets.
You'll need to buy a cord or two, or cut your own and store the firewood.
As you will need to fill your stove with wood, there is some exercise involved, and you'll need to clean the ashes at least weekly or depending on amount of usage.
It is recommended that you check local regulations regarding the use of wood stoves as they may differ from one state to another.
Also research which stoves qualify for the 30% US government tax credit.
Expect to pay from $500.
00 to $3000.
00 for a wood stove.