subject: Tips To Choose A Wood Burning Stove [print this page] In this article you can know more about types of wood burning stoves and the right kind that would suit your home.
The reasons might vary for choosing a wood burner; may be for saving on bill purposes or environmental protection reasons. Here are a few tips to help you.
When choosing a wood burning stove, there is a lot to consider.
Stove size and type
The kilowatt output of the
Stove efficiency
Cost factor
Stove heat distribution
Stove design
Stove size:
The size of the stove you choose should be able to accommodate itself comfortably in the space you choose such that it doesnt make rest of the space shabby. Inappropriate sizes of stove can damage chimney lining and other furnishings at home as well.
Stove types:
There are two types available in the market.
Catalytic
Non-catalytic
Catalytic types use and a combustor and makes it easier to clean and maintain. A non catalytic re-circulates the ash and deposits a part of it on the stove making regular cleaning necessary.
Kilowatt output:
The kilowatt output is usually mentioned as a Btu rating in the stove. This is the heat output the stove gives for any room of any dimension. If your choice for a stove is to reduce your primary heating expenses a lesser output will be sufficient.
Stove efficiency:
The time gap for refueling the stove decides the efficiency. Suppose a stove takes 30 minutes for refueling and another takes 45 minutes then the latter has a better efficiency than the former. But efficiency ratings are not reliable as each stove is tested under different conditions and different refueling period. As refueling and periodical checking is essential, get a complete detail on the time period for fueling it from the companies themselves.
Cost factor:
The cost of a wood burning stove can range as low as $500 to $6000. It depends on the standards you demand. A stove with just wood as the burning fuel can cost much less than that of a multi-fuel stove. Design, sophistication, size and technology included like air wash systems will cost a little more. The installation charges are likely to be more than your actual cost of a stove.
When a stove is used along with your centralized heating systems they cut down your gas and oil bills. Such cases the stoves themselves do not come very expensive. But if you are looking to replace the central heating system with wood burners then you may have to shell out more.
Even if that is the case reduction or elimination of gas bills compensates you expenses.
Stove heat distribution:
If you are keen on distributing the heat evenly throughout your house then stoves with back-boiler or stoves that enable secondary pipe lining would be suitable. Using air vents near the ceiling area of wood burning stove will also help in distribution of heat to other places to some extent.
Stove design:
A wood burning stove will be part of your house for a long time. Hence choosing its design also becomes important. As these burners come in different styles right from antique designs to sophisticated and elegant designs, you have a range to choose from. They can be chosen depending on the architecture and interiors of your home.
Mobile stoves!!
Doesnt a mobile wood burning stove sound more interesting? Yes definitely they do. They are highly sophisticated and well insulated. They can be usually rolled from one place to another. Though the heat distribution factor, fuel consumption are its drawbacks, they are ideal for a vacation home.
