Wood Burning Stoves Near Me
Wood stoves are beautiful and efficient method of heating your home. When purchasing a stove, there are some things to think about. 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 specific rating or BTU output. You should also take into consideration aesthetics, recommendations by an reputable retailer and feedback.
Cost
Wood stoves add a stylish and elegant touch to any home. They come in a wide selection of styles and colors to match any decor. These stoves are also energy efficient and economical and offer a viable alternative to expensive heating systems. There are several factors to consider prior to purchasing a new wood burning stove. This includes the initial cost, installation costs, and other things such as chimney liner.
The cost of a wood stove depends on the model and size you pick. It is possible to purchase an open-air wood burner priced under 700 dollars. This stove has a large viewing window, that is kept clean by an airwash system that is powerful. It is multi-fuel which means it can burn a variety of fuels.
Noncatalytic wood stoves are much less expensive than catalytic models, but they are more difficult to ignite and require more fuel to generate the same amount of heat. They can also release a greater amount of particulate matter than catalytic models. Despite these limitations the noncatalytic stove is an excellent choice for a lot of customers.
Pellet stoves are another well-known alternative to traditional wood burning stoves. They're like wood stoves, however, they are made of smaller pellets made from recycled materials or wood. They are less maintenance-intensive than wood stoves, but they don't provide the same amount of warmth.
If you're considering pellet or wood stoves you'll have to factor in the cost of installing venting systems. Certain stoves for wood require an intake of combustion air from outside, while others require a venting system that connects with chimney. Depending on where you live and the building codes in your area, you could require getting your stove inspected by an inspector from your local building department.
Installing stoves wood burners into an existing fireplace will cost less. However, you'll still need to install a chimney liner and might need to hire an expert to clean the chimney regularly. A freestanding wood stove won't heat all the rooms in a multi-story residence, so you'll need to install radiators to complement.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional heating systems, as the price of electricity and natural gas continues to rise. Wood stoves are an affordable sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. They also burn cleanly, which helps reduce the amount of pollution that is in the air.
Modern wood burning stoves boast an extremely high energy efficiency, meaning they can generate more heat for your home using less fuel. This is due to a number of factors, such as the fact that they have smaller combustion chambers than previous models. They also utilize an acatalytic combustor which allows them to burn fuel more efficiently. They also produce less harmful emissions, which is essential when you reside in an area that is required to comply with the stricter standards for air quality.
Another way that log burners are greener than traditional open flames is that they permit you to limit the amount of air delivered to the fire, so that it burns at lower temperatures for a longer period of time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke produced by the fire, and will also reduce the accumulation of flammable creosote in your chimney.
By burning a variety of different kinds of wood, such as scrap or reclaimed wood, you can make a more balanced fuel mixture that will reduce the amount of waste gas produced by the burning. You can also collect unwanted wood that was removed from construction projects and burn it on your stove. By doing this you can cut down on the cost of buying firewood and help preserve our woodlands.
Wood is a carbon neutral fuel due to its renewable resource. The trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and release it upon burning, creating an endless cycle of life. Additionally, by sourcing local wood, you will help the local economy while reducing your environmental footprint.
A fireplace that burns wood can be utilized as a backup source of warmth in the event there is a power failure. You can keep your house warm for a long time if you store enough logs. You can also make use of your stove to heat water or cook food.
Environmental Impact
Burning a wood stove may result in negative effects on the environment and your health, depending on how well it's completed and the type of wood you use. The burning of wood produces harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, as well as fine particles called PM (particulate material). PM (particulate matter) is a mix of harmful substances such as black carbon, soot and tar. These substances are known to cause a range of health issues, including heart disease and asthma.
The emissions of wood burning stoves can be detrimental to the environment and health. In addition burning wood can trigger the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are the main source of VOCs in indoor air. VOCs are a form of pollutant that has been linked with a range of health problems, including eye irritation and headaches.
VOCs are created by the incomplete combustion of wood and can damage the respiratory tract, lungs and circulatory system. They also trigger a range of other environmental issues that include the loss of biodiversity as well as water quality issues and soil erosion. In certain areas, the concentrations of VOCs found in wood smoke may exceed the standards set by the federal government.
According to a report published by Undark, five states have provided incentives to replace older wood-burning stoves with EPA-certified models. However, the majority of these appliances only offer slight improvements over the previous models. They're also expensive and require electricity to power the fans, controls and pellet feeders.
Consequently, some environmental agencies have resorted to removing incentives to encourage new wood stoves in favor of encouraging people to switch to other sources of heat. 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 more energy efficient than 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 green and affordable option for home heating. However, they must be maintained and inspected regularly to reduce the amount fuel needed and improve efficiency. For instance, cleaning out unneeded hoppers and feed systems at the end of the season will minimize the risk of rust and ensure that your stove is ready for use again in the autumn. Regularly cleaning the chimney vent of the stove can also stop the buildup of flammable materials.
Safety
Wood burning stoves offer an inviting alternative to heating however, they also pose fire hazards that can threaten your family's health. Smoke inhalation can be a cause of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and a host of other serious issues. However, you can safeguard your family and home by following the correct safety precautions.
Ensure your stove is properly installed and venting. A certified professional should put in the chimney flue pipe, the chimney connectors and flue pipe. Make sure that the chimney is a minimum of three feet higher than anything that could ignite, such as overhanging trees as well as adjacent buildings. Install smoke and CO detectors in every bedroom, and on each level of the home. Connect them all so that they all sound if one goes off. Be sure to check your alarms on a regular basis and replace batteries. Keep flammable materials like paper, plastics and garbage, away from the stove, and don't ignite them on or around it.
Never leave a stove that is burning wood unattended, especially overnight. If your stove is located in a space that has sleeping areas, close off the heat source and open windows before you go to bed. This will prevent smoke from wood from entering the room and cause CO poisoning.
Install an air-cleaning device when you intend to use wood stove. These systems help to capture and neutralize volatile organic compounds in the exhaust stream before it exits the fireplace. It is also important to keep your stove clean, and keep the draft louvers free of ash and debris.
Wood smoke can be hazardous to everyone however it is especially dangerous for children and older adults with weak lung. It can also trigger respiratory illnesses and asthma. Avoid using the wood stove on days when air pollution levels are high. The EPA and each state provides daily reports on the air quality.
Wood stoves that are new may be more efficient than older models, but they still emit large amounts of pollutants into the air. Choose a model that has been approved by the EPA as being over 72 percent efficient to limit the amount of pollution you are exposed to. Burn only seasoned, dry wood. This kind of wood produces more heat and has less toxins than fresh green wood.