Wood Stoves Today
The Changing Face of the Modern Wood-burning Appliance
Wood-burning stoves and hearths possess an old-fashioned charm that warms a home comfortably and naturally from an easily renewable fuel source. The quaint orange glow, the pleasant aroma and the snap, crackle, pop of burning embers make a wood stove a favorite zone heating source for traditional homes as well as contemporary living spaces. In addition to the sough-after ambience, wood stoves produce a low-cost heat at a time when money seems tight from coast to coast.
Modern wood stoves are state-of-the-art appliances designed to produce a toasty, penetrating warmth while producing almost no smoke. In fact, wood stoves and fireplaces sold in the U.S. require certification by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure they produce much less smoke compared to those manufactured in the 1970s and 80s. They burn wood efficiently with minimal tending, produce very little ash and require less firewood than the stoves of years ago. Construction is durable and air-tight, allowing clearances from interior walls that sometimes require as little as 6 inches.
Style is another driving factor in today’s stand-alone stove designs. Gone are the days of the bulky pot belly with a monstrous black pipe. Modern stoves are made from steel, cast-iron or soapstone in a variety of colors and fashioned to complement the interior living space. The vent pipe is typically sleek, thoughtfully integrated and colored to match the stove.
Whether you need lots of heat for your home or simply prefer a decorative fire, you’ll find a range of stoves to meet your needs with product descriptions for low, medium or high heat output. You can compare the square footage that an appliance will heat with the size of your home. Many wood stoves have the capacity to heat an entire house (providing the house has good internal air flow), but they can also serve as secondary zone heaters to comfortably warm the areas of a home that get the most use.
In December 2010, the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit was amended and extended for another year. If you purchase a new energy-efficient wood stove, you may qualify for a Federal tax credit, which provides $300 for the purchase of a qualified biomass-burning stove between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Any wood- or pellet-burning stove that meets the 75-percent efficiency rating qualifies.
Options at a Glance
When selecting a new wood stove, educate yourself on the ins and outs of the various units. To help parse the different features, costs and installation issues, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association provides a checklist to help demystify the selection process.
