Tips for Choosing a Wood Stove
The first thing you need to think about when choosing a wood stove is where you are going to place it. The best place to put your stove is in the room or space that you want to stay the warmest since the majority of the heat will be located directly around the stove.
For most people the main living area including the livingroom, dining room or kitchen provide the best location for their wood stove. You should also consider how the air flows between rooms in your home. Often a wood stove can heat your whole home if the airflow between rooms is right.
Once you have decided where you are going to place your stove, you should talk to a profession at a stove dealership or retailer who can help you determine exactly what size of stove you should get for your space. If you purchase a wood stove that is too small it may not provide adequate heat.
If, on the other hand, a stove it too large it can waste fuel and cause a fire hazard. A wood stove dealer will be able to help you avoid these problems and choose the right sized stove for your space.
You will want to be sure to look for a stove that meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards. Not only do these stoves burn more cleanly, but they are more efficient and will use less fuel in the long run. That means that you won’t have to deal with as much smoke or ash and you will need less fuel to heat your home.
Buy the stove that has the highest efficiency rating within your price range. The more efficient the wood stove the less fuel it will require. That means that while a high efficiency wood stove may cost more upfront it can save you a lot of money for fuel over time. The manufacturer’s literature or pamphlet should provide you with an efficiency rating so you can compare between different models of wood stoves.
Also consider getting optional features that can make having a wood stove more enjoyable. Today’s stoves come with a number of features including self-cleaning glass, heat shields for walls, cooktops and other features that can help you to get more use out of your stove and spend less time maintaining it.
Because wood stoves can dry out the air in your home, you may also want to consider purchasing a humidifier to use along with your wood stove. The humidifier will help replace lost moisture in the air and still allow you to keep your house cozy and warm all winter long.
Another safety consideration that you should look into when you get a wood stove is a carbon monoxide detector. Wood stoves can give off carbon monoxide, and installing a carbon monoxide detector will warn you if the levels in your home become dangerous. This extra safety precaution can help to protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wood stoves are a charming, heartwarming addition to any home. Not only that but they can save you a lot of money on energy costs which makes them a terrific economical choice. As with any major purchase you should be sure to shop around to be sure you are getting the highest quality stove that is still in your price range.
