Introduction

A Wood Stove

With our 28 years experience in the industry, we will do our best to anticipate your questions here on this stove and fireplace introduction.  We've borrowed material from our manufacturers and compiled it here.  If you still have any questions or comments beyond this introduction, please give us a call!

By the way, at some point, you'll need to decide if you're going to have a free-standing fireplace or a built-into-the-wall fireplace.

There are three types of fireplaces to choose from:

Using Wood as a fuel
Using Gas as a fuel
Electric - increadibly realistic.  Just plug them in, and turn them on.

We also have some in-depth pamphlets if you're ready for a more technical look at the options.

Wood is Making a Big Comeback

During the 1870s, wood produced 75% America’s energy.  But over the years, coal and then oil, reduced wood use.

More recently, environmental concerns and strict EPA regulations have helped wood stoves really come into their own.  EPA-certified stoves now burn 72-82% more cleanly than those of the past, making wood’s former reputation as a dirty fuel obsolete.  Wood has a much higher BTU capacity than gas, and wood is also a renewable resource.  Trees are being replanted at an unprecedented rate, which also helps improve air quality, as trees use carbon dioxide to produce more oxygen.

You can count on wood being around as a reliable source of fuel for years to come.  You don’t have to be dependant on foreign fuel sources.  And you will stay warm even if your power goes out.

Why Choose Wood?

Wood can be very economical, while also offering the additional benefits of a beautiful flame, relaxing warmth, and a romantic ambiance.

When purchasing wood, you can buy seasoned wood, or you can buy less expensive greenwood to split and stack yourself.  You can even produce your own firewood by making a woodlot.

Many people count on woodcutting and splitting to get them outside, using it as a form of exercise.  There’s an old-fashioned satisfaction in seeing the results of your labors, and a feeling of independence in producing your own fuel. You can also choose your fuel.  Different woods have different qualities; some are notable for being easy to split, others for their BTU capacity.

We believe that wood is one of the most romantic, beautiful and satisfying ways to heat your home and to have the enjoyment of a crackling fire.

Gas: The No-Fuss Fuel

It’s hard to beat gas for sheer convenience.  City dwellers without easy access to cordwood, those living in condominiums or a home with little storage space, and busy people who don’t have time to fuss with the maintenance of a woodstove all appreciate the ease of using gas.

Gas stoves are certified to one of two standards: "decorative appliance" or "room heater."  (This rating is clearly labeled on the stove.)  Decorative appliances are attractive but they are not designed to heat a room, nor are they efficient. Room heaters are serious heating units, subject to stringent efficiency standards.

Aside from its convenience, gas is also a reliable choice for areas where power outages are common.  Most gas stoves are equipped with a pilot light (a constant, tiny flame used to ignite the main burner) and require no household current for operation and so remain a working heat source during a power failure. If the pilot light ever goes out, a safety switch automatically shuts off the gas supply.

For ultimate convenience, many gas stoves are thermostatically controlled, so the heat is completely adjustable.  You set the temperature with controls on the unit or with a wall thermostat.  The heat is steady and consistent. Several units feature built-in fans to help distribute the warmed air.  You can accessorize your stove with a remote control, allowing you to operate your stove from your easy chair, or even your bed for the stove in your bedroom.

Electric

The growing interest in stoves generally has encouraged the development of electric stoves which can provide a focal point in any room without the requirement, or cost of a chimney, flue or even fireplace surround.

Gone are the days of a plastic looking log effect - the best of today’s electric stoves provide an exceptionally realistic coal or log effect with glowing embers and dancing flames.  Many use real coal or the latest in moulded logs with the animated flames being created by projecting moving light onto the back of a double sided mirror - it may sound technical but the finished results can almost be mistaken for the real thing.

The last year in particular has seen many traditional woodburning stove manufacturers producing electric versions of their own designs, providing an increasing choice of style and finish.  Electric stoves are now available in cast iron, steel or MDF, black or coloured, gloss or matt and as radiant

In depth pamphlets

These documents are from Vermont Castings/Majestic. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat reader to view them. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from www.adobe.com

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!