Wood Burning Stoves Near Me
Wood stoves can be beautiful, efficient way to heat your house. However, there are several factors to consider when purchasing an appliance. Included in this are energy efficiency that is certified by the EPA and cost, as well as maintenance requirements.
Be careful not to become "number bound" and make your decision based solely on a certain rating or BTU output. Also, take into consideration aesthetics, recommendations from a reputable retailer and customer feedback.
Cost
Wood stoves can bring an elegant, elegant look to any house. They are available in a range of colors and styles that will match any decor. These stoves are also energy efficient and cost effective and offer a viable alternative to costly heating systems. However there are some aspects to consider when buying a new wood stove. Included in this are the initial cost along with installation costs, as well as any additional costs, like chimney liners.
The price of a stove is determined by the type and size that you pick. You may be able to purchase an open-air wood burner for under 700 dollars. The stove has an enormous viewing window that is kept clean by an airwash system that is extremely effective. It also has multi-fuel capabilities that means it can burn a variety of fuels.
Noncatalytic wood stoves are more expensive than catalytic ones, however they are more difficult to ignite and require more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. They release a higher amount of particulate matter than catalytic models. Despite these limitations however, the noncatalytic model is an affordable option for many people.
Pellet stoves are another well-known alternative to traditional wood burning stoves. They function in a similar way, but use smaller pellets of wood or recycled materials to create the fire and warmth. They are more easy to maintain than wood stoves, but they don't offer as much heat.
Whether you're choosing a wood or pellet stove you'll have to consider the cost of installing a venting system. Most wood stoves must have a vent system that connects to a chimney, while some require an intake for combustion air outside. You may have to get your wood stove inspected by your local building inspectors, based on the location you live in and the building codes that apply in your region.
If you're installing a wood stove inside an existing fireplace, you can expect to pay less for installation. However, you'll still need to have a chimney liner installed and may need to employ an expert to clean the chimney regularly. In addition that a freestanding wood stove cannot be able to reach all rooms of an apartment with multiple floors, so you'll need to put in radiators in other rooms to add the heat.
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 offer a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. They also burn cleanly, which reduces the amount of pollution in the air.
Modern wood burning stoves feature an extremely high energy efficiency, which means they generate more heating for your home with less fuel. This is due to the fact that modern wood burning stoves have smaller combustion chambers as compared to older models. They also have catalytic combustor, which helps to burn fuel more efficiently. They also emit less harmful emissions, which can be important if you are living in an area where stricter air quality standards are required.
Another reason why log burners are more environmentally friendly than traditional open flames is that they permit you to control how much air is delivered to the fire, to allow it to burn at less temperature for a longer time. This can help reduce the amount of smoke produced by the fire and stop the formation of flammable creosote in your chimney.
Burning various kinds of wood, including scrap and reclaimed wood, will create a better fuel mixture, which will decrease the amount of waste gases produced by the fire. You can even collect unwanted wood that has been removed from construction projects and burn it on 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 during their growth and release it when they are burned, creating an environmentally sustainable cycle of life. Additionally, by sourcing local wood, you will help the local economy while reducing your carbon footprint.
Another benefit of using a wood-burning stove is that it can provide an alternative source of heat in case an outage in power. You can keep your house warm for a few days if you store enough logs. You can cook on your stove and heat water.
Environmental Impact
Based on the type of wood used and the efficiency with which it is burned, using a wood stove could have negative environmental and health effects. The burning of wood releases harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides as well as fine particulates, referred to as PM (particulate matter). PM (particulate matter) is a mixture of harmful substances like black carbon, soot and tar. These pollutants have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease and respiratory problems.
The emissions produced by wood-burning stoves contribute to global warming that negatively impacts the environment as well as the health of people. Additionally burning wood can trigger the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are a significant source of VOCs in indoor air. VOCs are a form of pollutant that has been linked with a range of health issues, such as headaches and eye irritation.
VOCs can cause harm to the lungs, respiratory system and circulatory systems. They can also contribute to various environmental issues like soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and water quality. In some areas, the concentrations of VOCs in wood smoke could exceed federally enforceable standards.
According to a report from Undark five states have offered incentives for replacing older wood-burning appliances with EPA certified models. However, the majority of these appliances only offer marginal improvements over the older models. They are also expensive and require electricity to run controls, fans, and pellet feeders.
As a result, some environmental organizations have begun to eliminate incentives to encourage new wood stoves in favor of encouraging people to switch to alternative sources of heat. The State of Oregon, for instance requires homeowners to get rid of wood-burning stoves that are not certified and encourages them to switch to heat pumps.
Wood stoves are more efficient in energy use than other heating methods, such as electric or gas furnaces. These stoves produce a greater quantity of heat, using less wood than their gas or electric counterparts. They are therefore more sustainable and a cheaper choice for home heating. However, they should be regularly inspected and maintained to reduce the amount of fuel needed and improve efficiency. For instance, cleaning out unneeded feed systems and hoppers at the end of the season will minimize corrosion and ensure that the stove is ready to start again in the fall. Additionally, regular cleaning of the flue vent on the stove will help prevent the buildup of flammable creosote.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves are a great alternative to heat, however they can be risky for the safety of your family. The smoke from fires can cause inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, you can protect your home and family by taking the proper safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is correctly installed and venting. A certified professional should install the chimney flue pipe, the chimney connectors and flue pipe. The chimney should be at least three feet above any objects which could cause fire. This includes overhanging trees or buildings adjacent to them. Install smoke and CO detectors outside every bedroom and on every level of the house. Connect them all together so that they all sound when one goes off. Be sure to check your alarms on a regular basis and replace batteries. Keep wood burners near me like plastics, paper, and garbage, away from the stove, and do not ignite them on or around it.
Never leave a wood burning stove unattended. This is especially true overnight. If you are using a wood-burning appliance in a sleeping area shut off the heating and open the windows prior to going to sleep. This will stop smoke from the wood stove from entering the room and creating CO poisoning.
Install an air-cleaning device if you intend to use a wood stove. These systems help to capture and neutralize volatile organic compounds in the exhaust stream before it leaves the fireplace. You should also keep your stove clean and keep the draft louvers free of debris and ash.
Wood smoke is hazardous to everyone, but it is particularly hazardous for children and adults with weak lungs. It can also cause respiratory illnesses and asthma. If you can, avoid using a wood-burning stove on days with high levels of pollution. The EPA and each state will provide daily reports on the air quality.
The latest wood stoves might be more efficient than older models, but they still release large quantities of pollutants into the air. To limit your exposure to pollutants, choose a model that has been certified by the EPA as being over 72 percent efficient. Also, only burn dry or seasoned wood. This type of wood creates less toxins and has more heat than green, fresh wood.