Luxury Fireplaces and Outdoor Products

Wood Stoves

When people think of a fire on the hearth, they think of burning wood, which is the traditional fuel. It grows locally, is abundant in most areas and is one of our few renewable sources of energy. For many people, nothing beats the warmth and beauty of a true wood fire.

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The Benefits of Adding a Wood Burning Stove to Your Santa Rosa Home

What is a wood burning stove?

A wood burning stove is a freestanding unit of cast iron, soapstone, or steel that vents through a stainless or galvanized steel stovepipe. It features a ceramic glass insert in front (sometimes with a door that opens) so you can view the fire. It also has an air inlet that lets you adjust the combustion rate to create a lower, slower burn or a hot and fast fire. The size and BTU rating of the stove depends on the room’s scale, home’s insulation, climate, and more. Wood burning stoves are a great way to heat your home while being eco-friendly and cost-effective. They provide effective heating while also adding beauty to a room.

What are the benefits of adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home?
1. Increased Heat Output

Adding a wood burning stove to a Santa Rosa home will increase heat output in multiple ways. First, burning the right type of wood can create more heat per log than other types of wood. Ash, sugar maple and red oak are some of the best options for producing more heat. Additionally, the stove’s capacity will dictate how much heat it can generate. Also, having the wood split, stacked and left to dry for 8 to 12 months will increase the amount of heat generated. Additionally, soapstone wood burning stoves are designed to absorb and store more heat than steel or cast iron stoves, meaning the heat output is greater for a shorter amount of time. Finally, wood heat provides a toasty warm spot in the house and is renewable, meaning it can be used year after year.

2. Improved Comfort

Adding a wood burning stove to a home in Santa Rosa can be an excellent way to improve the comfort of the space. Not only will the flames of a wood fire provide a cozy atmosphere, but the texture and dimension of the tile also add a unique and stylish twist to the classic look. With our year round weather, the convenience of gas and tradition of wood are both great options for heating your home. Not only that, but you can also save money by investing in quality fireplace products from some of the best suppliers in the industry. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere for family movie night or a romantic night with your significant other, a wood burning stove can provide the perfect atmosphere.

3. Cost Savings on Utilities

Adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home can save money on utilities by providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive options, such as fuel oil and natural gas. Compared to fuel oil, switching to wood heat can result in significant savings. Depending on the cost of fuel oil, cordwood and wood pellets can provide up to 50% savings on heating bills. Pellets will give the lowest savings, but “cut your own” cordwood will give the greatest savings, since it costs the least. Meanwhile, switching from natural gas to wood heat will result in smaller savings since many Pennsylvanians are currently paying low prices for gas. Another benefit to wood heat is that it can be much more cost-effective than electricity, depending on the cost per kilowatt-hour for energy charges, delivery charges, fees, and taxes. In addition, wood heat also offers hidden benefits, such as providing a cozy atmosphere and creating a unique home decor.

4. Variety of Wood Burning Stoves to Choose From

Wood burning stoves come in a variety of styles, materials, and designs to fit in with any home décor. The most popular types are those made of cast iron, soapstone, or steel and are freestanding units that vent through a stainless or galvanized steel stovepipe. Cast iron wood stoves are very durable and long-lasting, and their heat can remain even after the fire is out. Soapstone wood stoves are also long-lasting and are great for homes in colder areas since they can hold in heat longer. Steel wood stoves are often used in areas where there is an abundance of trees since they are more affordable and easier to install. In comparison, all three types of wood stoves offer efficient heating that is both affordable and eco-friendly.

5. Added Ambiance to Home

Adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home can add a lot of atmosphere to your space. It can help to create a cozy, warm ambience that is hard to beat. Not only does a wood burning stove provide a great focal point for any room, but it can also add value to your home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, homes with at least one fireplace have seen a 12 per cent increase in value. Additionally, a wood burning stove can provide an energy efficient and eco-friendly heating option. For those looking to add rustic charm to their home, a freestanding wood, gas, or pellet stove can be a great choice. Furthermore, a wood fireplace is great for family movie nights or for simply snuggling up in front of the fire with a good book, making it the perfect addition to any home.

6. Easy Installation

Installing a wood burning stove in your Santa Rosa home is a relatively straightforward process. First, ensure that your chosen stove is compliant with local building and safety codes. Then, prepare the area for installation. This includes constructing a suitable and fireproof foundation, as well as ensuring proper ventilation. Once the area is ready, install the wood burning stove and connect it to a flue. Finally, perform a test burn to check for proper operation. By following these steps, you can easily and safely install a wood burning stove in your Santa Rosa home.

7. Safety Benefits

Adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home offers many safety benefits. You can rest assured knowing that our skilled installation contractors come fully insured and pre-vetted with certifications and background checks, so you can trust the quality of your installation. Wood stoves are also extremely durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective and reliable heat source for years to come. Additionally, most wood stoves feature a heat shield which helps protect walls and furniture from excessive heat and flames. And, since wood stoves don’t require electricity to run, you have a heat source even in the event of a power outage. Finally, wood stoves create a cozy environment and provide a great gathering place for family and friends to enjoy each other’s company. With all these safety benefits, switching to wood heat is a great decision for your Santa Rosa home!

8. Reduced Trash Generation

Adding a wood burning stove to your home can reduce the amount of trash you generate by reducing your reliance on gas and electricity. By utilizing the wood you find or cut yourself, you can avoid buying fuel from the store, which generates unnecessary waste in packaging materials. Furthermore, burning wood emits fewer carbon emissions than burning gas or electricity, which helps reduce the amount of trash and pollution created by burning fossil fuels. Lastly, burning wood is a renewable energy source, meaning it can be replenished and used again and again, allowing you to reduce your reliance on finite resources and thus reduce the amount of trash generated by their use.

9. Reduced Environmental Impact

Adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home can reduce environmental impact by reducing pollutants in the air compared to burning wood in open fireplaces. Wood burning stoves are equipped with EPA certified fireplaces which are specifically designed to burn wood more cleanly and efficiently. Burning wood in EPA certified fireplaces emits fewer pollutants than burning wood in an open fireplace, as they are built to meet EPA’s tough air quality standards. In addition, current ordinances throughout Sonoma County prevent the installation of a wood burning fireplace that does not meet current testing standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On the other hand, gas-fueled or electric alternatives require you to purchase the fuel or energy, which can have a larger environmental impact than burning wood.

10. Convenience of Heat at Home

Adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home can improve the convenience of heat in multiple ways. First off, wood stoves are energy-efficient, cost-effective and can heat up an entire room or even your whole house depending on the layout. Also, they can be installed practically anywhere, including in front of an existing fireplace. Furthermore, they provide a cozy atmosphere and can be customized to your personal needs and preferences. Additionally, wood stoves are renewable and are perfect for providing a warm spot during a cold winter day. Lastly, you can play around with the numbers using tools like the Energy Selector Slide Rule to find the optimal heating fuel for your home. All in all, wood stoves are an excellent way to improve the convenience of heat for your Santa Rosa home.

FAQs

What are the benefits of adding a wood burning stove to my Santa Rosa home?

The benefits of adding a wood burning stove to your Santa Rosa home are numerous. A wood burning stove can help to save money, as it costs less per BTU to use than other fuels like gas, oil, or electricity. Additionally, it is an eco-friendly form of heating, as wood is a renewable resource, and burning wood does not increase your carbon footprint. Wood burning stoves are also extremely efficient and will help you to zone-heat, cutting your heating bill by heating only the areas of the home you use most often. Furthermore, wood burning stoves do not rely on electricity to function, meaning that if your home loses power in a storm, you will still remain warm. Additionally, contemporary wood burning stoves come in a variety of designs and styles that can add beauty to your home and fit any décor.

What type of wood burning stove should I look for?

When considering a wood burning stove, there are a few factors that you should take into account to make sure you get the right one for your home. First, you’ll need to think about the size of the stove you need. This will depend on the size of the room, the insulation in your home, the climate, and the BTU rating of the stove. Make sure to take all these factors into account when determining the size of the stove you need. Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of fuel you want to use and the amount of heat you need. Different stoves offer different levels of efficiency, so choose one that will meet your needs. Additionally, look for a stove with an air inlet that allows you to adjust the combustion rate for a faster or slower burn. Popular brands to consider include Blaze King, Harman, Jotul, Lopi, Pacific Energy, and Woodstock Soapstone. Finally, take into account the design of the stove. Consider if you want a model that has a front door for added convenience and one with a ceramic glass insert so you can view the fire.

What are the pros and cons of using a wood burning stove?

The pros and cons of using a wood burning stove must be compared and contrasted in order to understand the full potential of this heating system.

Pros: Wood burning stoves are eco-friendly due to the renewable fuel source they use, they save money through energy efficiency and do not require electricity, they provide effective heating, and they also add beauty to a room.

Cons: The installation of a wood burning stove can be expensive, there may be additional maintenance costs, fuel may need to be stored, and smoke and emissions may need to be monitored.

In conclusion, wood burning stoves offer a number of advantages such as eco-friendly fuel, cost savings, and added aesthetic beauty. However, there are a few drawbacks such as installation and maintenance costs, storage needs, and smoke/emission monitoring.

How efficient is a wood burning stove?

Wood burning stoves are quite efficient and can offer significant savings on your energy bills. Compared to fuels such as gas, oil, or electricity, wood heat costs significantly less per BTU. In addition, modern wood burning stoves must meet strict standards with particle emissions and manufacturers spend plenty of money to create units that get optimum heating efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wood stoves can be up to five times more efficient than traditional fireplaces and up to 80 percent efficient, depending on the type of stove. This means that a wood stove can produce more warmth while wasting less heat up the chimney.

What type of fuel is used in a wood burning stove?

Wood burning stoves use wood as the fuel source, which is a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel. Wood is free for those who can cut their own, providing a cost-effective and energy efficient way to keep your home warm during the cold winter months. Contemporary wood burning stoves are designed to meet strict standards with particle emissions and are extremely efficient, providing optimum heating efficiency.

How do I know if my home is suitable for a wood burning stove?

Step 1: Determine the size of stove you need. The size of the stove should be based on the size of the room and the BTU rating of the stove. The BTU rating is how much heat the stove can produce. Most stoves list the square footage they’re designed to heat.

Step 2: Consider variables such as ceiling height, insulation quality, and floor plan. Talk to a dealer and they will help you adjust the size of the stove according to these important variables.

Step 3: Check the air intake. Wood stoves have an air inlet to regulate the combustion rate. This allows you to increase or decrease the air intake, creating a hotter/faster or lower/slower burn. This is also important for when you’re away from home and need to slow down the burn.

Step 4: Do your research. There are a variety of wood stoves available with unique designs and features. Popular brands include Blaze King, Harman, Jotul, Lopi, Pacific Energy, and Woodstock Soapstone. Consider what features are important to you and make sure the stove meets your needs.

Step 5: Install the stove. Once you have purchased the right stove for your home, you can hire a professional installer to make sure it is installed safely and correctly.

Example:

After determining that my living room was 1,400 square feet and needed between 45,000 and 55,000 BTUs, I decided to go with a Lopi wood stove. I discussed the variables of my home with the dealer and they adjusted the size accordingly. I liked that the Lopi has an air inlet that lets me adjust the combustion rate. Installing the stove was easy and I was able to enjoy a warm and cozy winter thanks to my new wood stove.

How do I know if I need a fireplace insert or a wood burning stove?

When it comes to deciding between a fireplace insert or a wood burning stove, there are a few key factors to consider. Fireplace inserts are typically used to update existing fireplaces and provide efficient heating. They come in gas, wood, and pellet fuel types and require specific venting and hookups to be installed in your home. Wood burning stoves, on the other hand, are an effective and eco-friendly way to heat your home. They require no electricity and provide fast, efficient heating. Wood stoves also have the added bonus of enhancing the look of a room due to their unique designs and styles. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your heating needs, budget, and desired aesthetic.

Are there any safety considerations when using a wood burning stove?

Yes, there are safety considerations when using a wood burning stove. It is important to ensure that the stove is installed properly, that the chimney is clear of obstruction, and that only dry or seasoned wood is used. Additionally, if anyone in the household suffers from asthma or allergies, it is important to consider if a wood burning stove is the right fit as it can potentially trigger breathing problems. Proper maintenance of the stove can help to mitigate these health risks.

What are the regulations and ordinances regarding wood burning stoves in Santa Rosa?

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is proposing regulations to reduce wood smoke pollution, which would affect homeowners in Santa Rosa and surrounding areas. The proposed regulations would require owners of older, non-compliant wood burners to exchange them for new energy-efficient and environmentally friendly stoves, fireplaces or inserts. To incentivize the switch, Buck Stoves is offering a “Buck Stoves Change Out” program which allows customers to save money when they exchange their older wood stoves.

Additionally, the district may call a ban on wood burning when an unhealthy level of pollution is expected within three days. From November 1st to the end of February, the district may also call a “Winter Air Alert” to stop the burning in advance and avert unhealthy levels.

Finally, the district is proposing that home sales trigger the replacement or decommissioning of non-certified wood-burning devices within one year. The North Bay Realtors Association is opposing this proposal, calling it an encumbrance to buyers and sellers.

The district is holding nine public workshops across the counties to review the proposed new rules. The Sonoma County workshop will be from 6-8 pm on April 16th. Outside of the Bay Area district, the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District has fewer restrictions on burning wood. Residents may continue using their existing heat sources, including non-certified wood-burning devices, but all new or replacement devices must be certified.