9 Reasons to Bring Back the Wood Stove

Costs for heating your home with oil, natural gas, propane, and electricity seem to go in only one direction: up! Steadily increasing prices for fossil fuels are causing some consumers to reconsider the ultimate renewable resource, wood. Wood fires are homey, cozy, and attractive—and with stricter regulations and the availability of EPA-certified models, wood stoves are now more environmentally friendly. Today’s wood-burning stoves are extremely energy efficient and can be three to eight times more cost-effective than traditional systems that burn fossil fuels. If you are thinking about installing a wood stove, here are just a few useful points to keep in mind.

By Donna Boyle Schwartz | Updated Nov 16, 2020 12:46 PM

Energy Savings

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Cord of Wood

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.

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More Than Country Chic

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Wood Stove Design

Today’s wood-burning stoves come in myriad variations, ranging from traditional potbellied country kitchen units to sleek, ultramodern contemporary models. Wood-burning stoves are also offered in freestanding, corner, or built-in wall-mounted styles.

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Location, Location, Location

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Wood Stove Placement

Because heat rises, a wood stove on the main floor 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.

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Efficient New Models

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High Efficiency Wood Stove

Earlier models of wood stoves didn't have a good reputation for efficiency, but stove manufacturers have upped their game in recent years. Look for EPA-certified models when you buy—they produce only two to seven grams of smoke per hour compared with the 15 to 30 grams per hour put out by old, uncertified stoves.

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Safer Than Ever

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Wood Stove Safety

Wood stoves have become safer than ever since the 1980s. This is due not only to new standards for appliances and parts, but also to training and certification programs for folks in the business of selling and installing wood stoves. They'll help you make sure that your stove is installed the right distance away from the wall, with a proper hearth underneath to protect your floor.

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Old Reliable

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Emergency Heat in a Power Outage

One of the worst things about severe winter weather (aside from digging your way out) is the possibility of losing power. That's where a wood stove can save the day, continuing to keep your home toasty warm and offering a place to cook a meal, even when the rest of your appliances are inoperable.

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Retrofit Kit

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Fireplace Insert

If you already have an existing wood-burning fireplace in your home, you can purchase a fireplace insert that can transform a primarily decorative hearth into a functional wood stove. These insert kits seal off the fireplace, allowing you to control the airflow as you would with a wood-burning stove.

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Multipurpose

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Wood Stove Ideas

For even more energy savings, check out modern units that can be hooked up to water heaters or radiators. There's a growing online community of resourceful home hackers who can help you safely DIY your own solution.

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Whole-House Heat

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Wood Stove Heat

To heat your whole home for less, check out whole-house wood-burning systems that can replace existing gas, oil, or electric heating systems. Plus, they're thoroughly modern, with features like automatic loading wood hoppers, automatic ignition switches, programmable timer settings, and remote controls.

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For More...

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