How to Buy a Wood Stove
From LoveToKnow Buy
Do you want to know how to buy a wood stove? LoveToKnow is here to help.
Why a Wood Stove?
You may wonder why someone would want to purchase a wood stove since electricity and gas are readily available. In rural areas and colder climates, wood stoves are an energy-saving alternative that can save you 50 percent compared to running an oil-fired central heating system. They are convenient in locations where wood is readily available as a resource. However, if you live in a heavy urban area like Los Angeles or New York, it may not be your best option.
How to Buy a Wood Stove
When you consider a wood stove, it is good to get as much information as possible. One of your best sources are manufacturer’s product specifications found online or marketing fliers. The other is getting advice directly from reputable stove dealers.
Types of Wood Stoves
There are two types of materials wood stoves are made of: cast iron or welded steel.
Cast iron stoves have beautiful designs but have premium prices. However, you will need to rebuild it every couple of years to seal joints between the panels to prevent air leakages. If you are looking for a more cost effective solution to suit your needs, welded steel stoves are plainer and cost a lot less.
Features to Consider
The main thing you should be concerned about is durability. Heat and causes wear and tear. Quality wood stoves should have replaceable internal parts. Make sure you find out ahead of time before purchasing since some wood stoves have key parts welded in.
Important features for you to consider are catalytic versus non-catalytic combustion and emissions.
- Catalytic combustion wood stoves work to produce heat with exhaust gasses passed through a ceramic honeycomb inside the stove. The result is a long steady heat output. However, its lever operated bypass damper (which is used for starting and loading the stove) makes a bit complex to use. In addition, the catalytic element needed to fire it up tends to degrade over time and will need to be replaced.
- Non-catalytic combustion stoves create heat right in the firebox, using a baffle for gas flow. Pre-heated combusted air is pushed in with small holes which results into a very powerful and efficient fire. The trend by current wood stove manufacturers is moving towards the non-catalytic version despite the fact that many high ended wood stoves use catalytic combustion.
- Emissions are an important consideration. The EPA requires that all catalytic stoves do not produce more than 4.1 grams of emission waste per hour, while non-catalytics cannot produce more than 7.5 grams. When purchasing, an EPA certified stove of 60 percent efficiency guarantees 80 percent of the stove's fuel potential heat.
Other Wood Stove Buying Tips
So you think you know how to buy a wood stove? Consider the following:
- Wood size- Your firebox should be 3 inches bigger than the firewood you put into it.
- How long wood burns depends on the type of wood and its moisture content.
- Determine where to put your wood stove. Depending on the size, some can heat whole houses while others are better for heating specific locations.
- Consider talking to a chimney sweep about wood stove brands.
- Consider fire safety and ease of operation for years to come.
Why should you want to know how to buy a wood stove? It can be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area where wood is readily available. Due to increasing costs of electricity and gas, your pocket may be feeling a bit of a pinch. Before buying, think about how often you plan on using it, where it will be located and then research brands carefully. With a bit of knowledge on your side, you will be warm and toasty in no time!
By Sheila Robinson
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This page has been accessed 1,751 times. This page was last modified 15:44, 21 November 2008.
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