With winter barreling down our sights here in New England, many of us are looking for practical alternative heating options for their homes. We take a look at three reasons why it pays – comfort-wise and money-wise – to consider the beauty and efficiency of a wood stove.
1. Self-Sufficiency
Relying on a gas or power company to fuel the furnace or boiler is how many of us heat our homes. But in the event of a power outage or gas line break, you could very well be left in the cold. That’s where a wood stove can save the day, keeping your home warm and giving you a place to cook a meal, even when the other appliances are out. With a wood stove, you will still be able to stay warm and enjoy the light of the fire.
If you’ve decided to live “off the grid”, you’ll also enjoy significant savings from generating your own heat from trees harvested on your property and seasoned for perfect burning. A cord of properly seasoned hardwood produces heat that is equivalent to about 130 gallons of fuel oil. Wood is a renewable resource, and trees sourced from your region can support your local economy.
2. Cost savings
By not relying solely on your furnace, you can save money on the repairs and ongoing maintenance typically required during the winter months. With proper routine care and preventive maintenance, you may never have to replace your wood stove while the lifespan of a current model furnace is at best 30 years. A wood stove will be your steady companion for years.
Because heat rises, a wood stove on the main floor of your house will also help heat a second floor. Locating the stove in the area where you spend the most time can help cut fuel consumption by up to 25 percent.
3. Comfort you can feel
Many people who use wood stoves as the primary heat source in their homes report that the heat they feel from their wood stove is more comfortable than heat that comes from a furnace or boiler. The main reason for this has to do with the way that furnaces work versus how a wood stove works. Furnaces rely on forced heat that ‘pushes’ the air through your home. The problem with forced heat, however, is that it creates pockets of heat in spaces that are better ventilated and leaves freezing cold spots in other areas of your home.
A wood stove produces a more consistent ‘radiant’ heat that warms the air throughout the home. No more cold spots and lots more comfort, according to the many folks who use wood stoves. We couldn’t agree more.
Want to learn more about choosing and installing the right stove for your home and budget? Give us a call! We’re here to help.
