When heating our homes, we want to save money and energy as well as be as environmentally conscious as we can. A heating appliance that can accomplish all three of these is a wood-burning stove. New technologies have revolutionized wood-burning stoves and have transformed these stoves from the pollution-heavy stoves of the past into clean burning and energy-efficient heating appliances. At Ashbusters we both sell and install wood-burning stoves, and we would like to share with you some of the benefits you will enjoy if you decide to heat your home with one of these stoves.
Economical Heating
Wood costs approximately a third less than natural gas, electricity, or oil. If you are fortunate enough to be able to cut your own wood, you can even have your winter heating supply for free. A modern wood-burning stove can cut your heating costs up to three times compared with a furnace or a boiler. The high energy efficiency also saves you money. With an open fire, the majority of the heat goes up your chimney, but with a wood-burning stove, you get up to 80% of the heat from the energy of the wood into your living space.
Environmentally Friendly
Using a renewable heating source like wood is a great way to make your home greener. Although burning wood does release carbon dioxide into the air, it is actually part of a balanced carbon cycle because the wood you are burning took carbon from the air to live and grow. Technologies that have developed for burning wood allows you to use this heating fuel with low emissions, which are so low that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using wood-burning stoves to cut down on pollution.
Decor Options
Wood-burning stoves come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Since you will need to install your stove in a central location in your main living area, you want to choose an attractive focal point that will not only provide you with heat but also with a conversation starter.
Energy Backup
One of the best benefits of using wood as heating fuel is you do not have to worry about have to worry about not having heat if your electricity or natural gas go out in a winter storm. Additionally, we live in a time where heating resources can be scarce or become incredibly expensive. Using a wood-burning stove allows you freedom from oil, natural gas, and electricity to heat your home.
Many people love the sight, sound, and smell of a wood fire. As much as gas-fueled heating appliances try to create a realistic flame, you are still missing that scent of wood burning and the sound of a crackling fire. Providing a cozy, warm atmosphere, a wood-burning stove can satisfy your desire for a natural fire without worrying about pollution.
Interested in heating your home with a wood-burning stove? Contact Ashbusters today to talk to our staff about your options.