A good way to cut utility bills during cold weather is to
use a wood-fired heating appliance such as a masonry heater, wood-burning
stove, or wood-burning fireplace insert. Now is the time to have such an
appliance installed before the busy fall season hits hearth stores and chimney
sweeps. Some stove manufacturers such as Regency offer summer purchase
incentives and rebates.
Today’s modern wood-burning heating appliances are very
efficient and clean-burning, unlike their older predecessors. The Environmental
Protection Agency regulates wood stove emissions and has strict requirements
that stove manufacturers must follow. This is why replacing an older, dirty
burning wood stove is good not only for the environment, but good for the
pocket book because less wood is needed to produce the same amount of heat as
older stoves.
Fuel costs can be significantly less than oil, gas, or
electric heating appliances, especially if there is a nearby supply of inexpensive
cordwood. For homeowners with their own land and trees, the concept of no cost
for fuel other than physical exertion is very attractive. For those wanting to
live off-grid, have an emergency heating alternative, or just lower fuel costs,
the addition of a wood-burning appliance is a good solution.
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| Masonry Heater by HearthMasters |
Masonry heaters are arguably the best type of wood-burning
appliance. They use old-world technology which is a series of channels
installed inside the appliance that trap heat, then transfer the heat slowly through
the mass of masonry. Masonry heaters are large and need to be centrally located
for maximum benefit. The Masonry Heater Association of North America recommends
that a Certified Heater Mason build a masonry heater since he/she has taken
specialized training on this unique appliance. The MHA has more information on
these efficient site-built appliances on their website at www.mha-net.org.
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| Fireplace insert by Regency |
Fireplace inserts are appliances that are installed inside
an existing masonry fireplace. They use a small stainless steel flue liner and
can be used either with or without a blower. By installing a new EPA approved efficient
wood-burning fireplace insert the fireplace efficiency will be increased by
approximately 75%.
Freestanding wood-burning stoves are also very efficient and
clean–burning. They work by emitting radiant and convective heat, and are best
situated in a central location in the home. A stove can be installed in any
room with the proper floor and wall protection. A wood stove installed in a
basement can provided needed warmth in a cold area, and since heat rises - the
floors above will be heated as well.
As far as chimneys go, a Class A stainless steel chimney can
be used to vent gasses, or an existing masonry chimney may be used with a
stainless steel liner installed. A
professional installer will know which type of flue liner or chimney to use
with a particular appliance.
The Midwest Chimney Safety Council suggests hiring a
professional to do any type of wood-fueled appliance installation. In some
areas, such as the greater Kansas City area, it is a code requirement to have a licensed professional install a
wood-burning appliance.
For more information on fuel cost calculators visit http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/woodstoves.html
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Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, MO www.chimkc.com
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