Using Wood Stove as an Alternative

If you were thinking that wood stoves are outdated, you are mistaken. Wood stoves have been coming back with a big bang. Oil prices and natural gas prices have been shooting through the rooftops and consumers are already feeling the heat as they find themselves paying hefty utilities bills month after month. A lot of people are now aware of the depletion in natural resources and the impact burning fossil fuels has on the environment. Wood stoves not only help us save money but also help preserve the environment.

If you are considering installing a wood stove in your home, some good planning is required before you think of lighting that fire. Here are some important facts to keep in mind during installation of a wood stove in your home.

Wood stove installation doesn’t just stop with fixing a long pipe. You must adopt safety precautions during installation. Most buildings have regulations that require to be adhered to by tenants and property owners. You may require obtaining a permit from the local authorities or the fire department for installation of a wood stove. So, check for permits and obtain the necessary approvals.

Insurance is another important aspect to be taken care of before installation of a wood stove. Your home and wooden stove have to be covered under the fire insurance clause just in case there is a fire accident.

Now that you have taken care of the insurance and permits, you have to consider the ideal location in your home where you want to have it installed. When your stove and chimney are placed strategically, they will work with maximum efficiency. One thing to remember as that you will have far less success cooking with your indoor stove than you would have with, say, an outdoor camping stove like the Coleman unleaded feather stove. If you intend on building a stove for any serious cooking you will have to build it to different specifications. Moreover, have the chimney run inside your house, as the heat generated will help warm up the room more efficiently.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the clearing that requires to be provided around the stove. This depends on the type of stove you plan to install. Most stoves require 12 inches clearance on all sides and about 18 inches on the side where you will load the stove. Keep the floor beneath the stove leveled and fitted with non combustible flooring.