heating solutions with stoves

Stoves can be a very good heating solution. They can be alternatives to central heating systems or a good response to more occasional heating needs. They can supplement both green and conventional heating solutions, or replace other types of heating.

Since their heat output is significantly higher than that of small heaters and lower than common central heating systems, stove heating is basically a response to in-between situations.

New Stoves are an efficient and clean heating solution

Fireplace Gas Stove, contemporary lines New efficient stoves are very different from their old cousins. They are cleaner, more energy-efficient, easier to maintain and with very small levels of emissions…

Many models have kept the look of ancient units, but some have turned into fireplace inserts and wall mounted units. In fact, new pre-built fireplace are in their core stoves converted to fit within a firebox of a masonry fireplace…

Stove heating solutions

Modern stoves run on three main fuels: wood burning stoves (catalytic and non catalytic) are now much more efficient and with small levels of emissions; pellet stoves are even more efficient, and cleaner; gas stoves (vented and unvented) are a third option, copying the appearance of wood stoves.

See, for pros and cons, and complete information on these three types of stoves:
Wood Catalytic and No-catalytic Stoves
Efficient Gas Stoves
Efficient Pellet Stoves

The emissions and the safety issue

Fireplace Emission: EPA image Modern wood stoves are much more energy-efficient and their emissions and their impact on the indoor air quality are small, but safety concerns haven't vanished. See: Fireplaces and Health Problems.

Stove heating advantages

As mentioned before, stove heat output is somewhere between that of central heating systems (central furnaces and boilers...) and the small radiant and convection heaters.

Their sizes and heat output (many models have tow heat outputs, say, 30,000 BTUs and 40,000 BTUs) vary, but the capacity and goals of modern stoves is mostly a response to the heating needs of a room, a part of the house or a small and well insulated building. They have the advantage – over small heaters - of being able to quickly heat a large family room or part of the house.

Another advantage is that they are competitive in terms of running costs (for an assessment of the costs of the different types of heating, you may take a look at the NEIC Excel Calculator).

Insulation levels and climate issues

The size and the role of stoves vary with climate, but also with the levels of insulation and sealing of the building. In colder climates, stoves make more strategic sense in homes with high levels of insulation.

Zone heating with stoves

Like small heaters, stoves can also be excellent for zone heating strategies, that is, to heat selected areas of the house, with specific heating needs. See, for more information on this issue: Heating and cooling zones and Zone Heating Strategies