So you’re thinking of buying a new fireplace?!
A wood-burning stove, perhaps? (Great choice😉 we love them)
That’s exciting news, we’d love to help you make the right decision.
There’s nothing more beautiful than the sound of a cracking fire in a cozy living room on a dreary winter's night. Before that comforting ambiance graces a room, there's the intricate task of choosing the right wood stove.
The quest to find the perfect wood-burning fireplace or stove can seem daunting with the myriad of options available today. Whether you're a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade, selecting the right stove is not merely about aesthetics; it's about aligning with the specific needs of your home, ensuring safety, and optimizing energy efficiency.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential considerations, from sizing and capacity to the nuances of architectural aspects, helping you make an informed decision that will not only warm your home but your heart as well.
Let’s get into it.
#1 Which best describes your wood heating needs?
Looking to heat just a room or two? Or, need something more robust to heat an entire floor?
The scale of your heating needs directly determines the size and capacity of the wood-burning stove you should consider. For heating just a room or two, a smaller stove with a moderate heat output would be ideal, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and avoiding overheating the space. Conversely, to heat an entire floor, a larger stove with a greater BTU (British Thermal Unit) output will be necessary to provide consistent and adequate warmth across a broader area.
Over-sizing can lead to inefficient burns and creosote buildup, while under-sizing can result in inadequate heat and over-fueling.
Making the right choice in the size of a wood-burning stove is paramount for both safety and efficiency. By aligning the stove's capacity with the heating needs of the space, homeowners can achieve a comfortable environment while maintaining efficient and clean combustion.
#2 How many square feet is your living space?
Here we’re looking for approximate square footage.
- Small space 500-900 sq. ft.
- Medium 901-1500 sq. ft.
- Large 1501-2200 sq. ft.
- Very Big 2201+ sq. ft.
The size of the living space directly correlates with the heating capacity needed. A larger space will require a stove with a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating to adequately heat it. Selecting a stove that matches the square footage ensures the space gets adequately heated without excessive fuel consumption. Consider the Osburn Wood Stoves. Find out why these stoves are an awesome investment for your home.
For a Big home - try the Blaze King 40
For a smaller space, try the Osburn freestanding 1700
#3 What other systems do you have in your home?
We’re also going to ask you what else you have running inside the home. For example do you have an Electric or Gas HVAC Furnace, an Outdoor Wood or Pellet Boiler, an Oil Furnace, or Baseboard or Wall Heaters.
Will this wood stove act as your Primary or Secondary heating source?
Knowing about other heating systems can affect the stove's function. For instance, homes with centralized heating may use a fireplace more for ambiance or as a secondary heat source. Additionally, certain systems, like forced air, can distribute the heat from a wood stove more effectively throughout the house.
A primary heating source must be more robust and efficient, while a fireplace for occasional use might prioritize aesthetics or ambience over raw heating power. This also influences the design, size, and capacity of the unit. Understanding these systems ensures the fireplace or stove integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
Go check out the Valcourt Lafayette 2 Zero Clearance Wood Fireplace
#4 How old is your home?
10, 25, or over 50 years old! It’s nice to have this info on hand when chatting with a Cameron team member.
Older homes might not have the same level of insulation or might have architectural quirks that can affect heating. An older home might require a more powerful stove or additional considerations for installation due to outdated or non-standard construction methods. Furthermore, historic homes might have aesthetic or structural considerations that limit the types or sizes of stoves that can be installed.
One of our favourites: Blaze King Princess 29 Wood Insert
#5 How warm do you like it to be in your home?
Best to think in terms of degrees C/F. This is what your fireplace expert will ask for.
- Are you cooler blooded: 60 deg-70 degF (18-21 C)
- Prefer moderate warmth: 70 deg-75 degF (22-24 C)
- Sucker for the heat: 76 deg F+ (25 C+)
Personal comfort levels vary. Some people prefer a toasty warm environment, while others are content with a cooler setting. Knowing your preference helps us guide you to a stove that can meet your comfort level without being overpowered or underwhelming.
#6 Do you have an existing chimney or venting system, or will one need to be installed?
Chimney sizing and accessibility is important. The presence of an existing system can influence the type of stove you can install, and it’s condition might necessitate certain modifications. No chimney means considering where to place one or looking into stoves with direct venting options.
See also -> check out a recent blog for a comparison of the best catalytic wood stoves,
The Verdict
Choosing the perfect wood stove for your home involves a thorough assessment of various factors. From understanding the size and heating needs of the space, evaluating other heating systems in the home, to considering architectural constraints and personal preferences, every detail plays a pivotal role in making an informed decision.
Go check out our selection of Wood Fireplaces from Top brand like Blaze King, Osburn, and Valcourt.
And to see them in person, pop on down to the showroom in Courtenay BC