Wood Fireplace FAQ's

What is a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert is an airtight metal firebox that is designed to be inserted into an existing fireplace making the fireplace more energy efficient. A wood insert is vented using a stainless steel liner up the existing chimney.

What is a factory built or zero clearance fireplace?

This type of fireplace is perfect for new construction or renovation. These fireplaces are insulated metal “boxes” that can be built around to resemble masonry fireplaces without the costly foundation work.

What is a cord of wood?

A full cord of firewood measures 4’ x 8’ x 4’. Many firewood dealers sell “face” cords which measure 16” x 8’ x 4’ (3 face cords = 1 full cord)

What does EPA certified mean?

An EPA certified appliance complies with strict emissions & efficiency regulations designed to reduce pollution and control energy costs. The EPA certification is your guarantee that the stove you are buying will burn cleanly and efficiently, reducing your heating costs and protecting the air we breathe.

What is an advanced combustion or high efficiency stove or fireplace?

Newer appliances with these designations have the following characteristics:

Firebox insulation to keep temperatures high

Preheated secondary combustion air that is fed to the fire through small holes at the top of the firebox to ignite the smoke & gases

Internal baffles to slow the exit of flue gases so that they can burn completely

What are the benefits of these stoves/fireplaces?

Save on wood, these stoves use up to 1/3 less wood

More controllable heat, evens out temperatures better

Long burn times, you load your stove less often

Less pollution in the air, because you are burning the smoke & gases not sending them up the chimney

What is the difference between radiant & convection heat?

Radiant heat is the direct transfer of heat from the hot stove surfaces to walls, furniture and people that are in a direct line of sight from the stove. Radiant heat will make you feel warm, even though the air around you is cool. Great for high ceilings or drafty homes.

Convection is the transfer of heat through the motion of air. This type of woodstove has an outer casing around the body of the stove, usually made of sheet metal. Heat from the stove creates a current of air and the heat is delivered to the room as warmed air.

Should I operate my stove differently in cold versus warm weather?

Yes. During warmer weather, spring & fall, control your heat by limiting the amount of wood you put in the firebox. Make short, hot fires using softwood or finely split hardwood and let the fire burn out. Avoid the temptation of building a big fire and then starving it for air. You do not want a smoldering fire.

In cold winter weather just add more hardwood for more heat. Hardwood provides a longer lasting fire for those cold nights.

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