How Much It Could Cost To Install And Operate A Wood Stove
If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly way of heating your home, then a wood stove might be the right option for your home. With plenty of options to choose from, you'll have an alternative heating source that's functional and stylish. You can choose from a variety of round, vertical, and square models, each amplifying your home's decor. Additionally, choose from a range of hearth options, such as granite or stone. Keep in mind that these variations will affect the cost of your wood stove. In general, installing one of these rustic heating elements costs between $1,500 and $5,000, so determine your budget and needs before you begin shopping. The good news is that a wood-burning stove offers ways to help reduce your energy costs at home so that the expense may be well worth it in the long run.
Wood stoves are considered carbon neutral. This means that they balance the amount of carbon they emit and absorb. Part of a wood stove's eco-friendliness is your home's ventilation system, removing fumes from your dwelling. Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide are among these fumes, two extremely dangerous gases. Additionally, a poorly ventilated wood stove is a recipe for mold growth. This is why you should always work with an experienced professional specializing in installing wood stoves. Even though foregoing a DIY wood stove installation will increase your heating project's overall price tag, it's a small price to pay for health and safety precautions.
Pricing out your future wood stove
The best wood-burning stoves to keep your home warm and cozy in the winter hinges on the model you purchase. For example, a small stove starts at around $1,200, with possible tax credits to offset the cost. If applicable, you could receive a credit covering 30% of the cost to buy and install your wood stove. There are also wood stoves that cost close to $7,000, not including labor, which is usually between $250 and $800. Once you come up with a budget that works, you can find the stove that best suits your needs.
Another factor affecting cost is the type of wood fuel you purchase, local wood shortages, and the time of year you buy wood. You can purchase seasoned firewood in either a full or a half cord, with prices varying. On the high end, a cord of wood is $400, and half a cord is $280. Then tack on delivery services, depending on how far you are from your distributor. Additionally, how often you use your stove plays a significant role in what it'll cost you annually. Are you planning on heating your home with your wood stove, or do you just want to enjoy the ambiance of a fire? It's also reported that newer stoves are more efficient than older models, thus reducing operating costs.
The wood stove installation process
Once you decide to purchase a wood stove, you'll need to find an ideal location for installation. This needs to be far from anything flammable and on a non-combustible hearth. Your wood stove will require several parts for installation, from the stove of your choice to a flue pipe, stove hearth, chimney liner, carbon monoxide detector, and more. You may not need all these parts, so ask your installer what comes with your stove and what will require additional costs. Your wood stove's base price may not reflect its overall price point. There are other upgrades to consider, each specific to the type of wood stove you install and its efficacy. This is why it's best to be flexible with your budget and anticipate extras.
Once your stove is installed, you can start experiencing its benefits. For example, you can cook on your new wood stove's surface, boil water, or even make soup. Since you're already using your wood stove to heat your home, this reduces the need to use other appliances, saving energy and reducing the wear and tear they sustain. When selling your home, there's a good chance your wood-burning stove will increase the value of your home, especially if you have a newer model that boasts energy efficiency and was designed to outlast the competition. So, if you want to increase your home's ambiance while possibly reducing energy bills, a wood stove may be a great investment.