Are Wood Stoves Energy Efficient?

The average efficiency rating of a wood stove can be between 60% and 80%

but can be higher or lower depending on the model of stove. A wood stove will be able to generate much more heat compared to using a traditional open wood burning fireplace.

Is a wood stove more efficient than a fireplace?

Like a fireplace, a wood-burning stove can help warm your home during the otherwise cold winter months.

Wood-burning stoves, in fact, are actually more efficient at converting wood to heat than fireplaces

. Wood-stoves approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have an average efficiency of about 70%.

Is a wood stove worth it?

As discussed above, a wood stove can produce much more heat for your home compared to an open wood burning fireplace because they're designed to burn firewood much more efficiently.

A wood burning stove can be worth it compared to gas fireplaces because you won't need to have a gas line installed

.

Can you leave a wood burning stove on overnight?

In an extended fire, you load large pieces of wood into your wood burning stove, tightly packed, so the fire slowly spreads from log to log, extending your burn for 6 to 8 hours or more. You won't need to reload any time soon.

This sort of burn maintains a low, steady heat that can stay burning all night

.

Do wood stoves save money?

Depending on what you pay for electricity, wood heat can be a very cost-effective alternative. For example, if you are paying $0.10 per KWH for energy charges plus delivery charges, fees, and taxes,

wood pellets would save you about 50 percent on your heating bill

, and cordwood would save even more.

Do wood stove inserts need electricity?

As with freestanding wood stoves,

wood fireplace inserts won't typically require a source of electricity

. If a wood insert has a blower then it will typically require an electrical supply in order to operate.

Do wood-burning stoves make your house smell?

A certified wood stove should never smell like smoke

[source: EPA]. A stovepipe or chimney that doesn't draw properly creates a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning — and you can't smell a carbon monoxide leak. If you don't have a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you should install both, pronto.

Do you need a chimney for a wood burner?

Luckily for those living in modern homes,

you do not need a chimney to install a wood burning stove

. However, it may require more work to fit one than in an existing chimney. This is because you will need to fit a twin wall flue system through the roof or wall of your building.

How long do wood stoves last?

In summary, a wood stove can last anywhere from

5 years to 20 years or more

. There is such a range because there are a number of different factors that can influence how long a wood burning stove lasts. These factors include: The quality of the materials used.

Where should a wood stove be placed in a house?

Placement. Wood stoves should always be installed

on the lower level

in two-story homes. Heat rises, and although you can install a wood stove on the top floor, it will not heat lower levels with any efficiency. If possible, an air duct should be cut through the floor somewhere near the stove.

How far does a wood stove need to be from a wall?

The standard clearance recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency is

36 inches

. This means that the back of the stove should be 36 inches away from any combustible material, such as woodwork, unprotected walls, furniture and even firewood.

Can you get carbon monoxide from a wood stove?

The direct answer to the question above is:

yes. Your gas, pellet or wood burning stove, insert or fireplace will produce carbon monoxide

. All heating appliances should be vented to the outside. This is why it's always a good idea to have any heating equipment checked by a professional prior to the heating season.

Can you burn pine in a wood stove?

Pine firewood can be fine for use in wood stoves at any stage of a fire

, but is more popular for use as kindling when building and starting fires because of its hot and fast burning properties. If Pine is to be burnt in a wood stove it should be kiln dried or properly seasoned down to below 20% moisture content.

Can you use a wood burning stove with the door open?

Wood burning stoves are not designed to be used with the door open

. You can use a wood burning stove with the door open but doing so will lose the control of the air flow into the stove, making it operate less efficiently and sending more heat up the chimney rather than out into the room.

What is the cheapest way to heat a home?

1. Buy an energy-efficient space heater.
2. Buy a smart thermostat.
3. Use credit cards to pay your utility bills.
4. Sign up for budget billing.
5. Insulate your attic.
6. Invest in warm clothing.
7. Consider installing solar panels.
8. Summary.

Is it cheaper to burn wood or natural gas?

So, based on our assumptions, it costs about $38 more to heat your home with a furnace burning enough

natural gas

to equal the heat content of 1 cord of wood, as compared with burning 1 cord of wood in a reasonably efficient wood stove.

How much does it cost to heat a house with wood stove?

What kind of stove does not need electricity?

The

Wiseway pellet stove

is the only EPA and UL approved non-electric pellet stove.” If there is a downside, it's that they are a little unusual looking, and starting them requires using a propane torch.

Does a wood stove have to have a blower?

Yes, you can run your fireplace without a blower

. Since the blower is on the unit's exterior, it does not affect the unit's fuel efficiency or drafting. It is a tool to help circulate the heat and provide warmth further into the home.

Does a wood-burning stove need a chimney liner?

Is a chimney liner necessary?

A chimney liner is obligatory if you are installing a woodburning stove, gas fire or open fire in a new build property to comply with Document J of current Building Regulations

. A chimney liner may be necessary in an older property if the flue inside your chimney is no longer safe to use.

Can I complain about my Neighbours wood burning stove?

Local Councils are legally obliged to investigate complaints made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 relating to public health and nuisance issues

, which include smoke and fumes from fires or stoves.

Are wood-burning stoves unhealthy?

Wood-burning stoves may keep you warm and cozy, but

they can also be hazardous to your health

. You might notice effects such as coughing and shortness of breath within a few days (and sometimes even within a few minutes) of exposure to the fumes.

Do wood stoves need carbon monoxide detectors?

Carbon monoxide is a concern with any appliance where combustion is present especially wood burning stoves so

installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home is highly recommended

.

Can I install a wood burner myself?

The installation of a wood burner is a highly specialised job and should be carried out by a trained professional

. It is by no means a project to take on yourself, as if it is done incorrectly, it could be very dangerous.

Can you put a TV above a log burner?

While there is nothing to stop you putting a TV above a log burner,

it is something that is best avoided

. “We would recommend avoiding the placing of delicate electrical equipment in close proximity to highly efficient and thus extremely hot heating products,” state Stovax (opens in new tab).

Can you install a wood burning fireplace in an existing home?

Be assured that

it is possible to add a fireplace to an existing home

. You'll just need to determine which one will work best. Get familiar with your area's building codes to check requirements such as minimum clearances around vent pipes and limits on fireplace emissions.