Wood heating can cost much less than the cost of gas and especially electricity. At the same time, the stove can also heat water. If the stove or fireplace is installed according to all the rules, it is safe. And good draft in the chimney will not create problems with kindling firewood and will reduce fuel consumption. We debunk the main myths about wood heating and tell you how to choose a stove for your home.
1. The stove only warms one room.
Furnaces come in different capacities, which means there are models for large and small homes. A modern stove warms not only the space in which it is installed.
Power is measured in kW, and 1 kW is enough to warm 10 m2 of a room with standard ceilings. However, the number of doors, windows, and additional functions of the stove is usually taken into account when choosing.
There are stoves with remote fireboxes. This means that the stove will be located in two rooms at the same time: stowing firewood and accessing the firebox in one, and the hot stove body in the adjacent one. This is very convenient for a small cottage or bathhouse, where literally every centimeter of space is important.
2. Its power depends on the size of the stove
It is generally accepted that only a large brick stove can warm a house. But it takes up a lot of space in the house, is not suitable for every foundation, and also does not always look harmonious in the interior.
There are compact stoves made of cast iron or steel of different capacities. For example, a small-sized stove with a power of 16 kW can handle heating a 150-meter house. Among cast iron and steel stoves, there are units with tile and stone finishing, in different colors and shapes.
3. A wood stove requires a lot of attention.
If the stove firebox has a door, the stove will operate safely. Of course, you can’t leave it completely unattended, but you won’t have to sit by the stove for several hours in a row.
It is important to monitor the draft level in the chimney so that the stove does not smoke or spark. But if the pipe is chosen correctly and installed without errors, there will be no problems.
You will have to remove ash from the firebox, but modern models are equipped with an ash drawer, which makes the cleaning process as simple and easy as possible.
4. Stove for heating; hot water requires a boiler
The brick stove has always been used both as a stove for heating food and as a bench for relaxing.
Modern factory furnaces can perform even more functions. Firstly, you can choose a stove among models of different sizes and types. Secondly, the stove will decorate the interior if you choose a unit with a stone finish. The stove can be supplemented with a tank for heating water; this is a convenient option for a summer house and bathhouse. There are stoves with burners for cooking.
5. Wood heating is expensive
Dry and young logs from high-calorie tree varieties are considered economical fuel. They burn for a long time and give the maximum amount of heat.
Long-burning stoves and heater stoves will have even higher efficiency.
A long-burning stove uses fuel as efficiently as possible. The firewood in its firebox does not just burn but smolders for 5-7 hours. This significantly increases efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
The stove-heater works on a different principle. Its body is divided into two parts. One contains a firebox, the other contains a compartment for stones. When the wood burns and heats the stove body, the stones also heat up at the same time. Then the oven stays hot for a long time, and the stones cool down for a long time. All this time the house will be warm.
6. A good wood stove is expensive.
Brick stoves and factory premium stove models are expensive, but a modern factory stove can be reliable, functional, and inexpensive.
The cost of a simple cast-iron stove is no more than 1500 USD; a stove with burners and the ability to heat water costs 4000-5000 USD. At the same time, the service life of the furnace is 10-15 years; it will pay for itself several times during its operation.
7. Firewood is difficult to store
To store firewood you need a ventilated woodshed with a canopy. If it is not possible to make it near your home, it makes sense to order firewood in small quantities so that it is enough for one heating season. The space near the stove is suitable for storing them. Today, designers and decorators offer many options for interesting ways to store firewood right in the house.
It is also unlikely that you will have to prepare firewood yourself; nevertheless, without knowledge of this matter, you can easily make mistakes. It is convenient to buy such fuel, then you will receive dry logs ready for kindling.
There are factory stoves that can be heated not only with wood but with coal and pellets. In some cases, this will be the most convenient option, especially for rare weekends at the cottage. In this case, you need to take a small batch of fuel with you, then you won’t have to figure out a place to store it.
A wood stove is an environmentally friendly and affordable way to heat your home. In addition, only a stove or fireplace creates a special atmosphere. The stove can be lit quickly, and it will be warm within an hour. This is convenient if you come to the cottage occasionally or regularly. It is important to choose a stove with the required power so that it accurately copes with heating the space.
