Curious About Wood Stoves? Ozark Stove & Chimney Has the Answers (& Expertise) You’re Looking For
The wind is whipping, snow is falling, and your hands are frozen – even inside your gloves. All you can think about is curling up in front of your wood stove with the only company you need: a blanket, some hot chocolate, and that new book you’ve been wanting to start.
Does this sound idyllic? Like a dream too good to be true? If you’ve been looking for a place to purchase a wood stove (or service your existing one) in Greene County, MO, Benton County, AR, or anywhere else in Southwest Missouri or Northwest Arkansas, look no further than Ozark Stove & Chimney.
From addressing various chimney concerns to answering questions about wood stoves to educating you on the pros and cons of wood-fueled fireplaces, Ozark Stove and Chimney provides quality information and excellent service. No matter if you’re looking to schedule your annual chimney cleaning or you’re wondering about various repair options, we’ve got you covered. We take care to hire only chimney sweeps who hold the highest credentials and accreditations from the top-ranked organizations in our industry because we care about doing things right.
Give us a call at 417-201-6585 or book your service online. We’d love to hear from you.
What’s the Difference Between a Wood Stove & a Fireplace?
First things first…what exactly is a wood stove? Or, at least in terms of the difference between a wood stove and a wood-burning fireplace?
Typically, wood stoves are made of steel or cast iron. They can be a stand-alone appliance (or free-standing), or they can be inserted into an existing masonry fireplace. In terms of heat production and efficiency, they outperform their masonry/classic wood-burning fireplace at an efficiency rating of about 80%, without completely sacrificing the internal-home-fire look. As aesthetically pleasing as a wood-burning fireplace is, it is rather inefficient when it comes to heating more space than that which directly surrounds it with an efficiency rating closer to 25%.
So, while they both utilize wood as their fuel, their main difference lies in their construction design. One (the stove) has a sealed off firebox and thus retains and distributes heat more evenly, and the other (the fireplace) is more open, which allows the majority of the produced heat to escape up and out of the chimney.
Is My Wood-Burning Stove Safe Indoors?
Yes, absolutely. That is, as long as it has been properly installed and set up correctly. A wood stove might not require the traditional chimney setup that a wood-fueled fireplace would, but that does not mean that it doesn’t produce exhaust that needs to be vented. While there are certain gas-fueled heating appliances that do not require any kind of venting system, a wood stove, unfortunately, is not one of them.
Because of the byproducts created during the combustion process, every wood-burning appliance (no matter the style or setup) will have some sort of venting system – whether it’s through a masonry chimney flue as in a traditional fireplace or via a metal flue piping system. The former provides the smoke an exit route up and out of the open chimney, while the latter allows for slightly more flexibility in terms of where the exhaust exits through (i.e. the wall or ceiling).
Actually, when you compare them side by side, wood stoves are technically safer to use indoors than traditional wood-burning fireplaces because of their design. Unlike in a fireplace where the flame is unobstructed and at the perfect height for curious little ones to get close to, with a wood stove, the fire is contained within its own space and closed off by a glass-paneled door. This helps to not only eliminate the potential for any sparks to escape, but also aids in containing any soot, ash, and other debris.
That said, regardless of your choice in heating appliance, if you do have children or animals prone to exploring their space, always take caution when tending to your fire. Just because it is closed off, doesn’t mean that it’s not just as hot! There is a fire burning in your home after all – be sure to treat it as such.
What Do I Need To Know Before Installing a Wood-Burning Stove?
Wood-burning stoves are a wonderful choice for those looking to effectively and efficiently heat their home without losing out on the sounds and smells of a more traditional fireplace – they offer an experience that is the best of both worlds!
However, it is important to understand the different models and designs available to make sure you’re choosing one that suits your needs both from a heating perspective as well as an aesthetic one. At Ozark Stove & Chimney, we’re proud to be suppliers of Pacific Energy, HECO, and Buck Stove products. With each manufacturer offering a variety of heating systems, we have a broad array of stoves and inserts to best suit our customers’ needs.
Do you already have an idea of what you’re looking for? Fantastic. Give us a call and let’s set something up. Know you’re interested in exploring wood stoves, but not quite sure on the details? Not to fear! We’d be happy to speak with you and learn a bit more about what you’re looking for, so we can offer our best advice moving forward.
Essentially, all you really need to know before embarking on this wood stove buying and installing process is where you plan to put it in your home. This will help narrow down our options and allow you to start to think about the “whats” and the “hows” in terms of size, design, and other aesthetics. Everything else you can leave up to us and our talented technicians, so you can start imagining the cozy future home of your dreams.
Can You Add a Wood-Burning Stove To an Existing Home?
Of course you can – we’d likely be out of a job if you couldn’t! One of the nicest features of wood stoves is their ease of installation. Unlike, say, a traditional masonry fireplace, or even one that is prefabricated, a wood-burning stove is self-contained and more compact, making it easier (and quicker) to set up in any home.
Another bonus is the versatility. Because wood stoves come in so many different builds, structures, and designs, they are kind of like the chameleons of the heating world (if there is such a thing) because they can typically fit wherever you, the homeowner, decides. Plus, a new fireplace installation would be a substantial investment – especially if you’re looking for masonry – and a rather extensive time frame that would not only involve masons working in and outside of your home, but also a longer time that you’re not able to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a home fire.
A wood stove installation, on the other hand, is usually complete within a matter of a few hours to a day, meaning that you can get back to what matters most – lounging in front of your nice, cozy fire.
Can You Put a Wood-Burning Stove in an Existing Fireplace and Chimney?
Indeed you can! That’s another thing that is just so great about wood-burning stoves – there are models that can be inserted in the firebox and hooked up to use an existing chimney system.
Now, is there a benefit to one or the other in terms of investing in an insert for an existing masonry fireplace/chimney system or purchasing a freestanding appliance?
Nope! Because of their contained nature and the way in which they operate and efficiently distribute their produced heat, whether you decide to look into freestanding vs. an insert, all you really need to consider is your aesthetic and your overall goal for this new appliance.
Say you’re interested in producing more and better heat for your home, but aren’t really sure you’d like to completely replace your existing fireplace. With a wood stove, you don’t have to. You can decide to have your wood stove installed elsewhere so that if (or when) you get the urge to light a fire in your fireplace for the sake of ambiance, you can absolutely do so. A true win-win.
Can a Wood Stove Be Installed Anywhere?
Pretty much. As long as there is a way to release the naturally produced smoke and gases out of a flue system, it doesn’t matter where (or how) that flue system is connected. Most wood stoves (aside from fireplace inserts) have factory-built chimney systems attached either from the top of the system or the back, allowing the exhaust a clear, direct exit route.
And since all homes have a ceiling and walls in any given room, the sky’s the limit when it comes to deciding where and how to place your wood stove.
Where Is the Best Place To Put a Wood Stove in Your House?
Ultimately, this is up to personal preference, but if you’re in search of a wood stove for the purpose of heating your entire home in the colder months, it is recommended that it be placed as close to the center of the house as possible. However, the amount of heat produced and distributed also depends on the size of your home, as well as the appliance itself – and most models have a difficult time heating a whole house without assistance, unless the home features an open floor plan.
For example, a small, 30x26x23 inch model is really only designed to heat a space between 500 and 1500 square feet and, as such, no matter where it is placed, will not create enough heat to thoroughly warm an average home of roughly 2000 square feet.
That said, it is also important to think about where in any given room you and your family spend the most amount of time and if you’d want the luxury of enjoying time spent directly in the vicinity of your wood stove.
Regardless, the “best place” can vary greatly between families and homes. The most important thing to consider is whether or not the space in which you envision your wood stove has the appropriate clearance for your desired model, as well as the accessories that come with it – particularly a place to store your wood.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the distance in which you would be hauling wood. A wood-burning stove might add the perfect finishing touches to a room on the second floor, but maintaining and restocking the fuel source might be a nuisance.
If you’re a homeowner in Northwest Arkansas or Southwest Missouri and are interested in installing a wood stove, give us a call or book an appointment online to meet with any of our knowledgeable technicians. Here at Ozark Stove & Chimney, we’re passionate about helping you create the home of your dreams. Reach out today to learn more about us, our services, our certifications, and what we can do for you.
What Other Wood-Fueled Heating Options Do I Have?
Perhaps you’re interested in an outdoor wood-fueled heating system – the maintenance and localization of keeping everything outside is attractive, we get it! Keep in mind, though, the traditional “wood stove” model – you know, the one that is black, with a glass door, and standing on four legs with a chimney flue attached to the top – is only designed to be used indoors. These freestanding appliances don’t have the capability to connect and direct heat through any kind of piping or other transfer system. In other words, the heat they produce is radiant and will not travel from one place to another.
However, a wood boiler or furnace, is an appliance specifically designed to create heat outdoors that is transferred indoors via underground piping. It works by burning wood in a chamber to heat surrounding water which is then pumped into your home and converted through your existing heating system. As far as placement, typically, an outdoor wood furnace is installed anywhere between 30-200 feet (but can be up to 500 feet) away from your home.
At Ozark Stove & Chimney we are proud to distribute Central Boiler products, the top manufacturer of outdoor boilers and furnaces across North America and Canada. For more information, give us a call at 417-201-6585.
What Is the Most Efficient Wood-Burning Stove Design?
Not all wood stoves are created the same, but they are created with the same goal in mind – to optimize your fuel source and create the most energy- and cost-efficient heat source possible. No matter the specific model size, name, number, or brand, any wood-burning stove will be far more efficient than its wood-burning fireplace counterpart.
When it comes to efficiency and the way it relates to wood-fueled appliances, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers two different measurements: combustion efficiency and overall efficiency.
- The latter, overall efficiency, is what we think of when determining whether or not something is adequate or effective. Does this heater provide the appropriate amount of heat for this particular space?
- The former, combustion efficiency, however, measures how well – or how completely – the appliance actually burns the wood that converts into heat (as opposed to the total amount of usable heat produced).
In the end, investing in an EPA-certified wood stove will ensure that…
- …your stove uses roughly one-third of the amount of wood for the same amount of heat.
- …your stove is 50% more energy efficient than non-certified products.
- …your stove produces less air pollution from wood smoke.
These specifications can sometimes be a bit challenging to shop through and find, but never fear! That’s where we come in. Because we provide such a wide array of wood stoves from a few different manufacturers, we’re sure to have access to a model that suits both your heating and efficiency desires. Simply schedule online or call us to get started.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Wood-Burning Stove?
Ok, you’re leaning towards taking the plunge. But before you do, you want some fast facts – good and otherwise – to help you solidify your final decision. Investing in a new heating appliance is a big deal, we know… We want you to be completely sure that you’re making the right move for you and your family.
Check out this list of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Versatility – because of its design, there are so many places a wood stove can be placed
- Increased efficiency over a wood-burning fireplace
- Self-contained system creates a safer environment for curious kids and animals
- Boasts the aesthetic ambiance created by wood-fueled fire
- Relatively low maintenance to operate
- Ability to provide heat and light in the event of a power outage
Cons:
- Amount of heat produced is dependent on several different factors
- Less “authentic” than traditional fireplaces
- Requires a certain level of attention to obtain and maintain fuel to burn
What Is a Cheaper Alternative to a Wood Stove?
Well, it depends. The direction we’re likely to point you will depend on your preferences. For example, if you’re sure that you want to create an ambient focal point in your main living space, we’d probably steer you in the direction of a gas stove or fireplace insert. As the name suggests, these are nearly identical to a wood-burning stove in terms of function and design, but the heat is fueled by gas rather than wood.
The cost factor is a bit more convoluted. Gas is technically more expensive as a fuel source because it is non-renewable and also susceptible to general price hikes and inflation. …but it saves you time and money from needing to buy, chop, and haul wood in order to heat your home. And also its combustion efficiency is higher than wood, which means that more usable heat is produced every time it is burned. So, again, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking to achieve.
However, if you’re not married to the idea of a fireplace or freestanding stove-like appliance, we might suggest alternative gas-fueled options. No matter what you’re looking for, our certified chimney sweeps are equipped and available to answer any questions and concerns you may have about how to efficiently and effectively heat your home.
How Much Does It Cost To Add a Wood-Burning Stove?
We know you’re probably as tired of reading it as we are of saying it, but… it depends. The total cost of installation is going to depend on a variety of factors from the model – in its design, size, and overall setup – to everything that goes into bringing it into your home and ensuring everything is properly installed, vented, and suitable for use.
Because of all that, we can’t give an accurate estimate until we know more about the service requested, the number of technicians we’ll need to get the job done, the difficulty of getting it to its final home, etc.
Give us a call or schedule an appointment online and we’d be happy to walk you through the entire process, including the amount of time it takes to install in order to be used (typically just a few hours) and the estimated amount it will cost you. We will always keep you in-the-know throughout our time together, so you can rest assured that you’re receiving the best and most accurate price along with your stellar service.
There’s no one better than Ozark Stove & Chimney when you’re searching for stove and chimney repair and maintenance services in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.
Can I Install a Wood Stove Myself?
We do not recommend this, no. It may seem simple enough, but when you think about the amount of specific know-how and attention to detail that comes with setting up a fire system in your house, it becomes infinitely more complex – and, as a result, dangerous. Despite what HGTV, YouTube and Google tells you, you should really not attempt a “DIY wood stove installation.”
Save the stress and give us a call. We’ll make sure your system is installed and set up correctly right from the get-go, so nothing stands in the way of you enjoying your new appliance.
Ready To Schedule?
From chimney repair services to new appliance installation, there is no one better than Ozark Stove & Chimney. Learn why we have such high reviews from customers just like you. Book a service online or give us a call at 417-201-6585 to learn more about us, our products and services, and why we’re the best in the business for homeowners in Benton County, Newton County, Greene County, and more. We can’t wait to meet you.
You might be wondering, “Why Ozark Stove and Chimney?” We believe you won’t find any more-qualified professionals than those at Ozark Stove and Chimney anywhere else close by, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.