Some Folks say that "there's no fuel like an old fuel" and these words definitely pertain to our favorite fuel--Wood. Wood just seems to have more "soul" than many other fuels and it can be used in a tremendous variety of ways. Wood is truly a renewable fuel. The heat released from wood is actually stored solar energy--released from its bounds when consumed in a stove. Our country has vast resources of wood. Properly managed, these forests could provide large fuelwood supplies forever. In addition, the new EPA approved stoves burn wood cleaner and more efficiently than ever before. As older stoves are replaced with newer ones, any concerns about "wood smoke pollution" will quickly fade.
Types of Wood Burning Products
Wood Burning Stoves, Freestanding -- New EPA approved clean burning stoves are now available in many styles, sizes and colors. These are perfect replacements for older stoves or to add heat and ambiance to any part of your home.
Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts --There are a wide selection of units which will fit into your existing fireplaces and turn it into a "heating machine." Many Freestanding Stoves will also sit on an existing fireplace hearth and vent up the chimney.
Wood Burning Fireplaces -- Two types are available. Zero Clearance wood burning fireplaces that make it easy to add a fireplace to your existing home. Prices for complete Zero Clearance fireplaces are very reasonable. There is also a new breed of fireplace--the so-called "Built-in-Stoves." These are heavy-duty units which heat like a stove, but are built into a wall like a fireplace.
Wood Burning Central Heat -- Some Hearth dealers carry Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel (Burn oil, gas, wood,coal--all in one unit) furnaces and boilers. This provides a good alternative for the serious woodburner who wants to keep all the mess in a basement or garage / outbuilding--and heat the house evenly through ductwork or baseboard radiators.
Maintenance--Wood Burning Products -- Wood
Stoves and Inserts are relatively simple products and therefore easy to
service. Your Chimney should be checked frequently for creosote (tar) and
your gaskets, latches and stovepipe should be checked and replaced if needed.
If you are handy, you can do this stuff yourself. If you don't want to tackle
it, many chimney sweeps are qualified to keep your stove in optimum condition.
How Long will they last?-- When used correctly, most stoves and fireplaces will have a long life. We have many customers who tell us they have stoves 15 years old and even older. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn parts will extend the life of a stove or fireplace for many years.