Wood Burning Stoves Near Me
Wood stoves are a beautiful and efficient method of heating your home. However, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a new stove. Included in this are EPA-certified energy efficiency and cost, as well the maintenance requirements.
Avoid becoming "number-bound" and basing your decision on a particular rating or BTU output. Also, consider aesthetics, suggestions from a reliable dealer, and feedback from customers.
Cost
Wood stoves can bring an elegant, stylish look to any house. They are available in a broad selection of styles and colors to match any style. They are a great alternative to costly heating systems. They are also energy-efficient and cost-effective. However, there are a few aspects to consider when buying a new wood stove. Included in this are the initial price, installation fees, and any other extras, like chimney liners.
The cost of a wood stove depends on the kind and size you select. It is possible to purchase a freestanding wood burner priced under 700 dollars. This stove has a large viewing window which is kept clean by an airwashing system that is powerful. It is multi-fuel, which means you can burn different fuels.
Noncatalytic wood stoves are more expensive than catalytic models, however they are more difficult to ignite and require more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. They also release more particulate matter into the air than catalytic stoves. Despite these disadvantages, the noncatalytic stove is an ideal choice for many consumers.
Pellet stoves are a popular alternative to wood burning stoves. They function in a similar method, but they utilize smaller pellets of wood or recycled material to create the warmth and fire. They are easier to maintain, but they don't generate as much heat.
If you're looking to purchase a wood or pellet stove, you'll need to consider the cost of installing an air venting system. Most wood stoves must have venting systems that connect to a chimney. However, others require an outside combustion air intake. You may need to have your wood stove approved by local building inspectors depending on the location you live in and the building codes that are in force in your area.
If you're installing a wood stove into an existing fireplace, you'll be able to spend less on installation. You'll have to install a chimney liner, and you might need to hire someone to clean the chimney regularly. In addition, a freestanding wood stove isn't able to be able to reach all rooms of a house on multiple floors, which means you'll need to put in radiators in other areas to supplement the heat.
Energy Efficiency
As the price of electricity and gas continues to rise, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to heating their homes. Wood stoves are one of the most popular alternatives to traditional heating systems since they offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable source of heat. They also burn cleaner, which reduces the amount of air pollution.
Modern wood burning stoves are highly energy efficient, which means they produce more heat for your home while using less fuel. This is due in part to the fact that modern wood burning stoves feature smaller combustion chambers in comparison to older models. They also feature the catalytic combustion chamber, which burns fuel more efficiently. They also produce less harmful emissions, which is crucial if you live in an area that has to comply with the stricter standards for air quality.
Another reason why log burners are more environmentally friendly than traditional open fires is that they permit you to regulate the amount of air fed to the fire to allow it to burn at less temperature for a longer time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke generated by the fire, and will also stop the formation of flammable creosote within your chimney.
Burning a variety of different kinds of wood, such as scrap and reclaimed wood, will produce a more effective fuel mixture that will lower the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the burning. You can also burn unneeded wood that was discarded in construction projects. This way, you can cut down on the cost of buying firewood and help conserve our forests.
As a renewable resource wood is a carbon neutral fuel source. The trees absorb carbon dioxide as they expand and release it upon burning, creating a cycle of life. By sourcing local wood you can also contribute to the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of your business.
A wood-burning fireplace can also be used as a backup source of heat if there is a power failure. If you are able to keep enough logs in storage that you can to keep your home warm for a number of days. You can also use your stove to heat water or cook food.
Environmental Impact
The burning of wood in a stove can have negative effects on the environment and your health, based on how well it is done and what kind of wood you use. The burning of wood produces harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as fine particles called PM (particulate material). wood burner stoves in smoke is composed of a range of dangerous substances, including black carbon, tar and soot. These contaminants are known to cause a variety of health problems like asthma and heart disease.
The fumes from wood-burning stoves can be harmful to the environment as well as health. Additionally burning wood can trigger the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are the main source of VOCs in indoor air. VOCs are a form of pollutant that has been linked to a variety of health issues, including eye irritation and headaches.
VOCs can damage the respiratory system, lungs and circulatory systems. They also trigger a range of other environmental issues such as the loss of biodiversity as well as water quality and soil erosion. In certain areas, the concentrations of VOCs found in wood smoke may be higher than the federally-imposed standards.
According to a report from Undark five states have provided incentives to replace old wood-burning stoves with EPA certified models. However, a majority of these appliances offer only slight improvements over the previous models. Additionally, they are costly and require electricity to run control panels, fans, and pellet feeders.
In the aftermath, a few environmental organizations are beginning to abandon incentives that promote new wood stoves, and instead concentrate on encouraging people to switch to alternative heating sources. The State of Oregon, for instance, requires homeowners to remove wood-burning stoves that aren't certified and encourages them to change to heat pumps.
Wood stoves are energy efficient compared to other heating methods, such as gas or electric furnaces. They produce more heat with less wood than their electric or gas counterparts, which makes them a sustainable and affordable choice for heating homes. However, they should be regularly inspected and maintained to reduce the amount fuel required and increase efficiency. By removing the feed system and hoppers at the end of the season you can minimize rusting and make sure that the stove will be ready to start in the autumn. Additionally, regular cleaning of the flue vent on the stove will stop the buildup of flammable creosote.
Safety
Wood burning stoves provide an inviting alternative to heating however, they also pose fire hazards that can threaten your family's health. Smoke inhalation is a risk for fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other serious problems. You can protect your home and family by taking the proper safety precautions.
Make sure that your stove is installed and vented correctly. A certified professional should install your chimney, flue pipe and connectors. The chimney should be at least three feet above any object that could ignite. This includes trees that are overhanging or buildings adjacent to them. Install smoke and CO detectors outside every bedroom and on every level of the home. Connect them all so that they all sound when one goes off. Replace the batteries and test your alarms on a regular basis. Keep combustible materials, such as plastics, paper, and garbage, from the stove, and don't burn them in it or around it.
Do not leave a wood-burning stove unattended, particularly at night. If you are using a wood-burning appliance in a sleeping area shut off the heat and open the windows prior to going to sleep. This will stop wood smoke from entering your home and cause CO poisoning.
Install an air-cleaning system if you plan to use wood stove. These systems are designed to remove and neutralize volatile organic compounds from the exhaust stream before it exits the fireplace. It is also important to keep your stove clean, and keep the grate and draft louvers free of debris and ash.
Wood smoke is hazardous to everyone, but it is particularly hazardous for children and adults with weak lung. It can also trigger respiratory illnesses and asthma. If possible, avoid using a wood-burning stove during days with high pollution levels. The EPA and each state provide daily reports on air quality.
New wood stoves may be more efficient than older models, however they still release large amounts of pollutants into the air. To reduce your exposure to harmful substances, choose a model that is EPA-certified as more than 72 percent efficient. Also, burn only dry and seasoned wood. This kind of wood produces more heat and has less toxic substances than fresh green wood.