It feels so good to be warm and cozy on a couch on a snowy winter night. However, when you turn the furnace up high enough to keep you warm, you are heating the whole house. You’re even heating rooms that aren’t being used and don’t need to be heated that warm. There are ways to keep your living areas nice and cozy while keeping the furnace turned down. A great option to look into is a wood burning stove. Why? Not only will this help keep the room warm, it also has the added benefit of being a focal point! Today’s wood stoves are not only efficient and money saving appliances, either. They also come in a variety of styles that can enhance the attractiveness of any room.
An Efficient Option
There are two main types of wood stoves: catalytic and non-catalytic. Catalytic stoves “have a lever-operated catalyst bypass damper which is opened for starting and loading.” This can make the operation of the stove a bit more complicated. In addition, to keep it running longer must be carefully maintained by the owner. Non-catalytic wood stoves create a great burning environment in the firebox. Although they have a “peakier” heat output, the fire they burn is beautiful and eye-catching! Whether you decide on a catalytic or non-catalytic wood stove, the efficiency rating has increased: over recent years to up to 83% higher heating value for catalytic stoves and between 65 and 75% higher heating value for non-catalytic stoves. This means that wood stoves are a great money-saving option.
Good for the Environment
Another good thing about the new generation of wood burning stoves is that they are now made to be much better for the environment. Government regulations require that wood stoves must now be manufactured in a way so that gases that contain particulate matter greater than a weighted average of 4.5 g/hr are not discharged.
Installation
The installation of a wood stove is not as uncomplicated as you may believe. Proper installation calls for a chimney through which to vent your wood stove. One good thing, though, is that, if necessary, qualified professionals can install a chimney when they install your stove. The professionals at Old Dominion Chimneys sell a wide range of wood stoves from the top name brands, and they have the experience you want to ensure that the stove and chimney are installed to run safely and efficiently, so that the safety of your family is the last thing you’ll need to be concerned about.
Keeping it Properly Maintained
After you’ve purchased the perfect wood stove and have it expertly installed, you’ll want to make sure that you keep it cleaned and maintained throughout the month of use, and that you have your wood stove and chimney inspected on an annual basis by a certified chimney sweep. After you’ve had the crew at Old Dominion install your stove, you’ll want them back for this yearly professional maintenance!
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