Important tips for making good decisions.
When purchasing a wood fireplace, it’s important to understand the basics. In Part 1 of this two-part series (blog posted March 15th), we covered that fact there are two types of wood fireplaces that have distinct differences – manufactured EPA-certified wood fireplaces (highly efficient), and masonry-built wood fireplaces (highly inefficient).
In Part 2 below, we cover important things to consider when it comes to performance, installation and fuel.
Performance
Advanced combustion technologies enable EPA-certified wood fireplaces to provide heat for many hours on a single load of wood. And because the wood burns so completely, ash is minimal, making cleanup is much easier.
EPA-certified wood fireplaces create “complete combustion,” meaning the wood receives ample oxygen while burning at high temperatures, burning for an amount of time that ensures the combustion gases are burned before being expelled through the chimney. For this reason very little, if any, smoke comes out the chimney, and minimal pollutants are expelled. Some models emit as little as 3.1 grams per hour.
Well worth the investment, it’s best to choose a wood fireplace from an established brand like Heat & Glo. The flagship Heat & Glo EPA-certified wood fireplace is the Northstar, which is among the cleanest burning, most efficient wood burning fireplaces available today.
Northstar EPA-Certified Wood Fireplace
Installation
As a point of reference, the approximate price range for purchasing a manufactured clean-burning EPA-certified wood-burning fireplace and having it installed is $6,500 to $9,500, and up. Actual costs vary by area of the country, type of chimney, whether or not a chase is needed, and the model of fireplace and surround materials chosen. We recommend you hire a professional installer certified by the National Fireplace Institute®, who will also obtain necessary permits and arrange required inspections.
Fuel: Wood
Wood is a natural, renewable fuel that is plentiful in many areas. Rising costs for fossil heating fuels like heating oil and propane have prompted many homeowners to embrace heating with wood. The best woods for burning are dense varieties from broadleaf species like oak, ash, maple and hickory. When compared to lighter conifer woods like pine, they provide longer-lasting coals, and produce less smoke and sparks. Wood destined for the fireplace should be seasoned properly, meaning it’s been air dried for at least one season after being cut, split and stacked. An average 1,500 square foot house will require about two to four cords of wood per season (a cord is stacked 4’ x 4’ x 8’).
Why Chose an EPA-certified Wood Fireplace?
When you purchase an EPA-certified wood fireplace, you can enjoy the ambiance and cost benefits of heating with wood, while being a responsible guardian of the environment. They generate the highest possible heat value from the wood, and are recommended by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
Consider these facts about EPA-certified wood fireplaces:
- Some models can be up to 76 percent efficient, vs. masonry-built wood-burning fireplaces at -15 to +15 percent efficient
- Have very low emissions; some as little as 3.1 grams per hour
- Certain models can burn up to 16 hours on a single load of quality wood
We hope this two-part blog series helps you choose the best wood fireplace for your lifestyle and home!