Why a wood stove? The answers are simple  comforting, economical and environmentally-friendly. Whether its the warm glow of the fire, the crackle of the wood or the deep penetrating warmth, wood stoves have a way of making people feel relaxed and right at home. Yet, in addition to ambiance, wood stoves today produce a low-cost heat that helps protect winter air quality and reduces the threat of global warming.

Good News about Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are as popular as ever thanks to more than a decade of research and development by stove manufacturers that has raised the bar for all wood stoves. In comparison to stoves sold during the energy crisis of the 70s, wood stoves manufactured since the early 90s are state-of-the-art appliances that produce almost no smoke. They are designed to burn wood efficiently  with little tending  while producing minimal ash and requiring less firewood. And, wood stove construction is now extremely air tight and durable, with clearances to walls that can in some instances be as little as six inches.

Wood Stoves Designed for Style
Whats your idea of a wood stove  a potbelly stove with a huge black pipe for venting? Think again. Wood stoves are now made from steel, cast-iron or soapstone and are designed to blend in with a homes interior design. While performance reins supreme, wood stoves are manufactured with windows for viewing and are available in many styles and colors (even red!). And, that pipe&its now sleek and colored to match the stove.

Wood Stoves are Zone Heaters
Many wood stoves have the capacity to heat an entire house (if a house has good internal air flow). Yet, wood stoves can also be installed as secondary zone heaters to comfortably heat the areas of a home where the most activity occurs. Future wood stove owners will be excited to know that the heat levels can be easily maintained, for even extended periods of time, with little experience.

Certified to Protect Air Quality
In the effort to reduce the amount of wood smoke that impacts neighborhoods and communities, wood stoves sold after July 1, 1992 are required to be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This certification ensures that wood stoves produce less than 7.5 grams of smoke per hour compared to approximately 42 grams of smoke emitted from wood stoves manufactured and sold during the 70s and 80s.

Selecting a Wood Stove
Much like any other appliance, it is important to spend the time to choose the right wood stove to fit your needs. Before you make your final decision, visit a specialty retailer for experienced advice. A specialty retailer is a trained wood stove expert. He or she can arrange for the safe and reliable installation of a wood stove by a certified professional installer. Specialty retailers can also provide advice about available firewood and inform you about how to correctly operate a wood stove, as well as what is required for proper maintenance.