What To Consider When Buying A Wood Stove?
Buying a wood stove can be a daunting task. Many variations have different sizes, styles, heat output, and features.
Hence, we have created this buying guide to help you choose the wood stove you need in your home.
Wood Stove Buying Guide:
Listed below are some features you need to check when buying a wood stove.
Choose the right size
Ask yourself, how big a wood stove do you need in your home? Most first-time buyers think that getting the biggest stove is the best. Many wood stoves available nowadays came with huge fireboxes, ranging from 3 to 5 cubic feet with high heat outputs.
However, the updated insulation and the supplementary heat that most houses have now are usually too much. Wood stoves act as space heaters, where they can heat one zone of your house.
If you’re heating a spacious area, you generally want a larger wood stove, whereas a smaller one is for a tiny space.
Decide whether a freestanding stove or fireplace insert
There are two common types of wood stoves available: freestanding and fireplace inserts. Freestanding stoves are usually mounted in areas without previous masonry fireplaces.
Moreover, these kinds of stoves come with many configurations, where you can install them on the floor with legs or put them on elevated areas or pedestals. Meanwhile, fireplace inserts are more into incorporating a wood heater into a fireplace.
Efficiency
Old-model wood stoves tend to be inefficient and waste more wood, which is not good for the environment. To check for efficiency, look for wood stoves that have EPA-listed efficiencies of 70% or above to get the most out of your money.
An efficient wood stove means less money spent on wood, less chopping and stacking, and a product that’s better for the environment.
Clean air
New EPA regulations have set the standard, limiting wood stove emissions to only 2.0 grams/hour. When looking for a wood stove that emits the cleanest and most efficient burn, choose wood stoves with EPA-listed emissions below 2.0 g/hr.
Choose catalytic wood stoves
When they were first introduced in the 80s, wood-burning stoves used non-catalytic combustors to reduce emissions, which got an ill repute. These initially designed wood stoves were unlikely to get started and went bad after a few years.
Nowadays, new catalytic stoves don’t have these issues anymore. Most of the catalytic wood stoves available nowadays emit cleaner air and more efficient burn than their non-catalytic counterparts. Moreover, they can last for 10 years and more.
Smart wood stoves
Technology is fast-changing, making innovations in different things, like phones, cars, and even appliances, and modern wood stoves are no exception. Most modern wood stoves feature remote control burns and are easy to start, preventing possible chimney burns.
Buying a wood stove that comes with these smart features can protect your family while doing a little less work. Generally, smart wood stoves cost a bit more than regular ones; nevertheless, these added features are more than worth it.
Safety Tips To Follow When Using A Wood Stove
One must understand the risks associated with a wood stove before using one. Here are some safety tips to follow when using your wood stove.
Make sure you have proper ventilation
Poorly ventilated wood stoves can consume a serious amount of carbon monoxide that can be toxic and lead to death. Make sure that your wood stove is installed in a well-ventilated area, where the exhaust from your stove is not blocked and there’s good air circulation.
Use dry, well-seasoned wood
Ensure that the wood you’re burning in your wood stove is dry and properly seasoned. Wet and unseasoned wood can produce more smoke and creosote that can be harmful to your health. To know if the wood is dry, test it with a moisture meter or by weighing the wood.
Keep the flue open
The flue of the wood stove needs to be kept open to encourage the flow of oxygen into the unit. It is necessary to regulate the burn at the correct temperature. Monitor the flue regularly and allow it open to ensure that the fire is burning safely.
Install chimney liner
A chimney liner plays a vital role in keeping the exhaust of the stove in the chimney. It helps prevent any risk of fire from coming in contact with hot and hazardous gases. The chimney liner has to be installed and an insulated metal cover should be regularly checked for any cracks or blockages that can cause harmful fumes to be emitted.
Have a fire extinguisher ready
Keeping the fire extinguisher on hand is a great idea. It is essential when using a wood stove. Have at least one fire extinguisher near your wood stove area, and check it regularly to ensure it’s not expired.
Find a qualified installer
Knowing how to buy the right wood stove doesn’t end there. If it’s not properly installed, even the most expensive wood stove will give bad results. To get the best service and installation, we recommend American Chimney Cleaning. We are the leading choice in the Kansas City Metro.
Regularly check your chimney
All wood stoves need proper maintenance to keep them functioning safely and efficiently. We recommend having your chimney checked at the start of every burning season or if you notice any issues.
At American Chimney Cleaning, we provide professional chimney cleaning services. Our company is composed of licensed professionals who are updated with the latest fire safety courses. They are knowledgeable and have extensive experience with chimneys. Moreover, we are equipped with the best tool and technology to deliver top-notch services.
Aside from chimney cleaning and inspection, we also offer chimney relining, chimney repair, furnace flue relining, gas logs, and dryer vents services.
Call Us Today!
After buying that wood stove, set a cleaning appointment with us to make sure you are burning safely.
Contact us at (816) 320-5377 to know more about our services. The American Chimney Cleaning proudly caters to all properties throughout the Kansas area, and surrounding cities, like Raymore, Peculiar, and Belton.