Wood Stove & Furnace Advice

Outdoor wood stoves use renewable energy, are less expensive than many other heating systems, and are safer than indoor wood stoves.

Outdoor wood stoves create heat by pumping water heated by the wood fire into the house through underground pipes. Once the hot water is inside the home, it is used in conjunction with the house's internal heating system to heat the home. Outdoor wood stoves are compatible with most home heating systems, including forced air furnaces, radiant floor heating systems, radiant baseboard systems, and others. An indoor thermostat can control the temperature of the heat.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that people use wood burning as a heat source whenever possible. Unlike fuels such as gasoline and coal, wood is a renewable resource. Wood fires are better for the environment because they do not produce excessive amounts of carbon dioxide like other fuels do. Large, unnatural amounts of carbon dioxide are believed to be responsible for the so-called greenhouse effect that is thought to cause global warming. Wood burns cleaner and is less expensive than other fuels as well.

Outdoor wood stoves save money in the long run. People who live in rustic areas can find and chop their own wood, meaning that they never have to pay for heating fuel. This can save hundreds of dollars a year over heating systems that rely on coal, gas, or electricity.

Having the stove outdoors eliminates the threat of an indoor fire. There is a chance that an indoor stove could cause a fire if someone operates it incorrectly. Outdoor wood stoves are entirely self-contained and separated from the elements, so that they can't cause any fires.

Outdoor wood stoves are a good option for people who want to efficiently heat their homes inexpensively. Residents of rural areas should look into using an outdoor wood stove to heat their homes.