Wood Burning Stoves Near Me
Wood stoves are a beautiful and efficient method of heating your home. When you are looking to purchase a new stove, there are a few things to think about. Included are energy efficiency that is certified by the EPA and cost, as well in the requirements for maintenance.
Be cautious not to get "number bound" and make a decision solely based on a specific rating or BTU output. Also, take into consideration aesthetics, recommendations from a reputable retailer and customer feedback.
Cost
Wood stoves are a chic and elegant accent to any house. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors to match any style. They are a great alternative to expensive heating systems. They are also energy efficient and cost-effective. However there are some factors to consider when buying a new wood stove. These include the initial price as well as the installation cost, and additional items like chimney liner.
The price of a stove is determined by the type and size that you select. You might be able to find an open-air wood burner for less than 700 dollars. This stove has a large viewing window which is maintained clean by the power of airwashing. It's also multi-fuel, meaning you can burn various fuels.
Noncatalytic wood stoves are much less expensive than catalytic ones, however they aren't easy to ignite and require more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. They can also release more particles into the air than catalytic stoves. Despite these drawbacks the noncatalytic stove is a good option for many customers.
Pellet stoves are another popular alternative to traditional wood burning stoves. They work in a similar method, but they utilize smaller pellets of wood or recycled materials to generate the warmth and fire. They are more easy to maintain than wood stoves, but they don't provide the same amount of warmth.
Whether you're choosing a wood or pellet stove you'll have to take into account the cost of installing venting systems. Certain wood stoves require an outside combustion-air intake and others require a venting system that connects with a chimney. It is possible to have your wood stove inspected by local building inspectors based on the location you live in and the building codes that are in force in your region.
If you're installing a wood stove in an existing fireplace, you'll likely to spend less money on installation. However, you'll still have to have a chimney liner installed and you may have to engage a professional to sweep the chimney regularly. A freestanding wood stove will not heat all the rooms in a multi-story home, so you'll need to install radiators in order to supplement.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners are seeking alternatives to traditional heating systems as the cost of electricity and natural gas continues to increase. Wood stoves offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating systems. They also burn cleaner, which reduces the amount of air pollution.
Modern wood burning stoves feature an extremely high energy efficiency, meaning they can provide more heat for your home by using less fuel. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that they have smaller combustion chambers compared to older models. They also utilize an acatalytic combustor which allows them to burn fuel more efficiently. They also produce less harmful emissions, which is essential if you live in an area that requires compliance with stricter air quality standards.
stoves log burners are also eco-friendly since they allow you to limit the quantity of air delivered to your fire. This lets it burn at a lower temperature for a longer time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke produced by the fire and also prevent the buildup of flammable creosote within your chimney.
Burning a variety of different kinds of wood, including scrap and reclaimed wood will create a better fuel mix, which will decrease the amount of waste gases produced by the burning. You can even gather unwanted wood that has been taken from construction projects and then burn it in your stove. You can save money on firewood by doing this.
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 an endless cycle of life. By using local wood sources, you can also contribute to the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of your business.
A wood-burning fireplace can also be utilized as an alternative source of warmth in the event there is a power outage. You can keep your home warm for a long time when you have enough logs. You can cook on your stove and heat water.
Environmental Impact
The use of a wood stove could result in negative effects on the environment and your health, depending on how well it's executed and the type of wood you use. The combustion of wood produces dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, along with fine particles, also known as PM (particulate matter). The PM in smoke is composed of a range of harmful substances such as black carbon, tar, and soot. These pollutants have been linked to a number of health issues, including respiratory diseases and heart disease.
The carbon dioxide emissions released by wood burning stoves contribute to global warming, which adversely impacts the environment as well as human health. Burning wood can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), one of the major sources of VOCs inside. VOCs, a type of pollution have been linked to a number of health issues, such as headaches and irritation of the eyes.
VOCs are created by the incomplete combustion of wood and can cause damage to the respiratory tract, lungs and circulatory system. They also trigger a range of other environmental issues, including the loss of biodiversity as well as water quality and soil erosion. In some areas the concentrations of VOCs found in wood smoke could exceed federally enforced standards.
According to a report from Undark five states have offered incentives to replace older wood-burning stoves with EPA-certified models. However, a majority of these stoves only provide slight improvements over the previous models. They are also expensive and require electricity for the controls, fans, and pellet feeders.
Consequently, some environmental agencies have begun to abandon incentives to promote new wood stoves in favor of encouraging people to switch to alternative sources of heating. The State of Oregon for example requires homeowners to get rid of non-certified wood-burning appliances and encourages homeowners to switch to heat pumps.
Wood stoves are energy efficient compared to other heating methods such as gas or electric furnaces. These stoves produce more heat from less wood than their electric or gas counterparts, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for heating homes. However, they should be maintained and inspected regularly to reduce the amount fuel required and increase the efficiency. For instance, taking out unused feed systems and hoppers at the end of the season will reduce rust and ensure that the stove is ready for use again in the fall. Regular cleaning of the stove's chimney vent will also help to prevent the buildup of flammable material.
Safety
Wood burning stoves are an excellent alternative to heat, but they can also be dangerous for your family's safety. Smoke inhalation is a risk for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious issues. However, you can protect your home and family members by following proper safety precautions.
Make sure that the stove is properly vented and installed correctly. A certified professional should install the chimney flue pipe, the chimney connectors and flue pipe. Make sure the chimney is at least three feet above everything that could spark, including overhanging trees as well as adjacent buildings. Install carbon monoxide and smoke (CO) detectors in each bedroom and on every floor of the house, and interconnect them so they all sound when one alarm goes off. Replace the batteries and test your alarms on a regular basis. Keep flammable substances like paper, plastics and garbage, away from the stove and don't ignite them on or around it.
Never leave a wood burning stove unattended. This is especially true during the night. If your stove is located in a space that has sleeping areas, close off the heat source and open the windows prior to when you go to sleep. This will stop smoke from the wood stove from entering the room and creating CO poisoning.
Install an air-cleaning system if you are planning to use a wood stove. These systems neutralize and absorb volatile organic compounds in the exhaust stream before it exits the fireplace. Keep your stove clean, and keep the draft louvers, the grate and draft hoods free of the ash.
Wood smoke is dangerous to anyone but it is particularly harmful to children and people with weak lungs. It can also trigger asthma and respiratory infections. If you can, avoid using a wood-burning stove on days with high pollution levels. The EPA and each state provide daily reports on air quality.
Some new wood stoves are more efficient than old models, but they release large amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. Select a stove that has been approved by the EPA as being over 72 percent efficient, to reduce your exposure. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. This type of wood produces less toxins and produces more energy than fresh, green wood.