Why are wood burning stoves selling like crazy? Most assume it’s the sustainability factor of energy-efficient stoves. But there’s more to the new surge of interest in them than that. Yes, biomass stoves offer an efficient way to produce heat, but they also look great, are affordable, and come in a huge variety of styles. Consumers can select dozens of additional features like temperature control, slow cooldown mode, smoke-free operation, and more. If you’re on the fence about investing in a wood stove, consider the following points before making a final decision.
1. They’re Efficient
Like so many other forms of biomass energy generation, wood burning stoves are highly efficient, both in terms of heat production and cost. For homeowners who are accustomed to relying on electricity for heating their homes, the pleasant surprise is that it costs less to produce the same amount of heat from a wood-burning stove. That holds true whether the fuel is wood you collect yourself, bundles purchased from a local store, or condensed pellets.
2. Homeowners Can Borrow to Pay for the Project
While most single units are competitively priced, many homeowners decide to install several stoves in their living spaces, sometimes one in each large room. But even those who opt for just one unit can do themselves a favor by paying for the environmental upgrade with a personal loan. It’s true that some dealers offer financing, but in nearly every case, you can get much more competitive rates and terms by taking out a personal loan to cover the expense of purchasing a wood stove, the ultimate bioenergy household appliance, and heating source.
Consider shopping as a first step. That way, you’ll get an accurate idea about price ranges, features, and what you want to spend. Then, when applying for a loan, aim to borrow about 10% more than what you expect to spend on the stove. The strategy makes perfect sense because the final price tag will be slightly higher than you first predicted after taxes, installation, and a few extra supplies.
3. The Units Look Great
Most discussions about biomass energy focus on statistical comparisons between products like wood-based home heating units and electrical home furnace units. But too often, overlook one of the primary advantages of wood stove units: They have a unique, attractive look that improves the overall appearance of any home. Spend a few minutes exploring some of the latest models on the major sellers’ websites. It soon becomes obvious that these old-fashioned appliances add a dose of elegance and emotional warmth to rooms of any size.
4. Power Outage? No Problem
Rolling power outages, a term that is a euphemism for planned grid breakdowns, are the bane of the modern era. In places like California and elsewhere, states are cutting electricity to millions of homes because state regulators are unable to manage the demand on grids. For homeowners who have a backup source of heat, outages are a minor inconvenience. In fact, many biofuel enthusiasts prefer to use wood burning appliances as a first line of heat generation. For many others, the units serve as reliable heat in times of state mismanagement of electrical power.
5. Buyers Can Test the Units Before Buying
Manufacturers and retail merchants offer various arrangements for first-time buyers. It’s possible for homeowners to pay a small rental fee for a basic unit, use it for a few months, and decide whether they want to make it a permanent part of their household energy array. These trial periods are popular with people who have no prior experience with bioenergy devices.
6. Newer Models are Safer, More Efficient, and Cost Less
Since 2000, there has been a great deal of advancement in the science of heat conservation in biomass stoves. Not only are the latest models less costly than older versions, but they deliver much higher heating ratios per unit burned. One reason prices have come down significantly is higher production levels due to increased consumer demand. When producers build many thousands of units per year and sell them quickly, they achieve economies of scale and can cut prices.
Likewise, the many technological breakthroughs in science have contributed to the higher efficiency levels of new biomass stoves. For consumers, that means not just more competitive pricing and higher quality but a wider range of selections from sellers.
