The design and technology that goes into creating modern wood burning stoves is quite a bit different from that which was found in the “stoves of yesterday. “If you’re considering purchasing a heating unit for your home or upgrading one you already have, here are some facts you’ll enjoy knowing about wood burning stoves.
1. Placement flexibility
A wood stove can be installed virtually anywhere in the home, providing there is a way to run a vent pipe to the outside of the house. This means you can zone-heat any room or space. A few well-placed stoves can almost completely replace a central heating system.
2. Exceptional heating
The biggest advantage homeowners have with a wood burning stove is the quality of heat the unit gives off. Woods stoves operate on the principal of radiant heat, which warms an area faster and more efficiently than warm air being blown through a home’s vent system. The powerful heat from a wood stove radiates from all sides of the unit as well as the top, sending warmth in all directions.
3. Better for the environment
Compared with using fossil fuels for heat (natural gas, propane, coal, etc.) wood is much more eco-friendly. It’s considered “carbon-neutral,” which means when it burns, it doesn’t add additional carbon dioxide to the environment. This is because in its natural state as a tree, wood absorbs carbon dioxide that’s in the atmosphere. During combustion, a balance is maintained.
4. Economical heating
Wood is an inexpensive fuel source. It costs less per BTU than oil, gas or electricity. Homeowners who practice strategic zone heating in their homes can save hundreds of dollars in utility bills each year.
5. Works during power outages
If you live in a region that has occasional power outages throughout the winter, you know how valuable a heat source that is 100% self-contained can be. With a dependable wood stove, you’ll stay warm around the clock, regardless of your home’s supply of gas or electricity.
6. Cooking convenience
An overlooked benefit of wood burning stoves is the fact that some models double as a stove top. With a little practice in temperature adjustment and cookware placement, you’ll find that the top surface of your wood stove is perfect for cooking and warming an endless variety of foods and meals.