A wood stove can be a great addition to your home for energy independence and more so if you love the ambience of a live fire indoors. Of course, if you can find a home that already has a wood stove installed, that’s even better.
There are several reasons why you might consider buying a house with a wood stove:
- Cost savings: Wood is often cheaper than other heating options, such as oil or gas, so you may be able to save money on your heating bills.
- Environmentally friendly: Burning wood is considered a renewable energy source, and it can reduce your carbon footprint compared to other heating options.
- Aesthetics: Wood stoves can add a cozy and rustic feel to a room. The quiet sound of a sealed wood burning stove is different from a crackling fireplace but it’s still a cool sight on a cold day. Plus you can open the doors slightly if you want to hear the sound.
- Emergency backup heat: If you lose power during a winter storm, a wood stove can provide a source of heat to keep you warm. This one advantage that a wood stove has over a pellet stove which requires electricity to start.
- Potential resale value: Some buyers may prefer houses with wood stoves and may be willing to pay more for a home that has one.
However, keep in mind that wood stoves require maintenance and cleaning, and it is illegal to burn certain types of wood in some areas. It is also important to follow all safety guidelines when using a wood stove.
An existing wood stove means costs are already accounted for
Buying a house with an existing wood stove built in means that the necessary venting and chimney for the stove are already paid for an in place. The effort and cost to install venting for a new wood stove can vary depending on several factors, such as the location of the stove, the existing ventilation in the home, and local building codes.
Installing the venting for a new wood stove can be a complex and labor-intensive process, and it is best to hire a professional to do the job. A professional will need to assess the existing ventilation in your home and determine what type of venting is required for your specific situation. The professional will also need to properly size and install the chimney and air intake vents, and ensure that the installation meets local building codes.
With an existing wood stove, this is already accounted for.
Can a wood stove save money on energy costs?
A wood stove can save money on energy costs, depending on the cost of wood and the cost of other heating options in your area.
- Cost of wood: Wood is often cheaper than other heating options, such as oil or gas. If wood is readily available and inexpensive in your area, it can be less expensive to heat your home with a wood stove than with other options.
- Efficiency: Wood stoves are generally more efficient than traditional fireplaces, which can reduce the amount of wood needed to heat your home. A high-efficiency wood stove can burn wood more completely, meaning that you will use less wood to heat your home, which can save you money.
- Government incentives: Some government programs offer incentives for using renewable energy sources such as wood heat. These incentives can be in the form of tax credits or rebates, which can help offset the cost of a wood stove.
However, it is important to note that wood stoves require regular maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and chimney sweeping, which can add to the cost. In addition, if wood is not readily available or expensive in your area, it may be more expensive to heat your home with a wood stove than with other options.
It is recommended to research the cost of wood and other heating options in your area and consult a professional before making a decision.
Wood stove vs wood fireplace
A wood stove and a wood fireplace are both popular heating options that use wood as a fuel source, but there are some key differences between the two.
- Efficiency: Wood stoves are generally more efficient than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves are designed to burn wood more completely, which means they produce more heat and less ash and creosote. Wood fireplaces, on the other hand, are often not as efficient, as much of the heat produced by the fire goes up the chimney instead of into the room.
Advantage: Wood stove - Size: Wood stoves are typically smaller than wood fireplaces, and take up less space in a room. They can be a good option for smaller homes or for rooms where space is limited. Wood fireplaces, on the other hand, can take up a large amount of space and are often considered more of a design feature than a heating option.
Advantage: Wood stove - Venting: Wood stoves typically require less venting than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves can be vented through a small pipe, while wood fireplaces require a large chimney. This means that wood stoves can be more easily installed in homes without a chimney.
Advantage: Wood stove - Cost: Wood stoves tend to be less expensive than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves are smaller and require less materials, labor, and venting, making them a more affordable option.
Advantage: Wood stove - Maintenance: Wood stoves require more maintenance than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves need to be cleaned and inspected more frequently to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. Wood fireplaces, on the other hand, require less frequent cleaning and inspection.
Advantage: Wood fireplace
Summary
Building a wood burning stove in an existing home is a great way to reduce energy costs, become more heating self sufficient and create ambiance in your home at the same time.
Buying a home with a wood stove already built in is even better since the work and cost is already accounted for. Unless you have the stove already built, you might run into expensive venting work that might make the installation cost prohibitive.
A wood stove is a more efficient, space-saving and cost-effective option for heating a home, but requires more maintenance than a fireplace. While a wood fireplace is a larger and more design-oriented option, it requires less maintenance. Both have their own pros and cons and the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences.