The Wood Burning Stove

Although technology has given us access to a wide variety of modern home heating systems, many home owners still choose a stove that burns real wood because of the uniqueness and functionality that it offers. Generally, it brings an antique quality that adds to the décor of the home, but there are also modern models that can make any new home look fancy.  A stove that burns real wood can come in a variety of sizes and features, but overall they are a great choice because they can be used both indoors and outdoors and offer a functionality and economy that other systems lack. Here are a few different types and benefits that can be purchased.

Antique wood stoves are often cheaper and more efficient than modern stoves, and as a result have remained very popular over the years. Although any one of these offers the ability to operate without electricity, an antique wood burning stove offers a certain decorative quality that can make a home very unique. Another great feature of antique stoves is that they can be cleaned much easier than a modern model. The only downside to an antique stove is that they are generally dirtier and require more frequent cleaning.

A modern wood stove is often more expensive than an antique model, but by paying more you can get a stove that has a catalytic combustor, which keeps you from having to clean your pipes or chimney very often. This device keeps your wood burning stove burning slow and for longer periods, which means that the smoke debris that normally collects in your stove is burnt over time. The only downside to this type of model is that the “cat” unit must be replaced every 2-3 years and does require more maintenance when used.

You can also buy a modern model without a catalytic combustor, but these often have lower load capacity, requiring more work to keep the fire burning. However, both catalytic and non-catalytic models have very similar performance over time.

One of the best parts about having this type of heat source is that it can be much cheaper than a gas furnace and is much more economical than a regular fireplace. Wood is generally widely available and at cheap prices, making it much cheaper over the long run. Although the cost of installing a wood burning stove can be expensive at first, the money you will eventually save will make it worth your while.

Regardless of whether you choose an antique or modern model, you will need to make sure you keep your unit clean and operational to reap the economical benefits and to keep your home safe. A wood burning stove can be dangerous if not maintained properly. Still, the smell of a wood burning stove at night and the warmth that it provides has made it a very popular choice both in the past and present. Even if you already have a gas furnace, having a wood burning stove as a backup could be a very wise choice.