Hearth Warming

Once upon a time, a fireplace was a standard feature in almost every house. It was an important focal point for family gatherings, but the benefits went beyond desire. As the primary source of heat, the fireplace was necessary.

Today, of course, we have central HVAC, but people still see the wood-burning fireplace as a source of heat, which is sort of true. They do provide heat, but not as much or not as efficiently as people think.

“Fireplaces were once the source of heat in American homes, so it is understandable that many homeowners believe burning wood in their fireplace is saving them energy and fuel,” the Energy Department writes on its website. “Unfortunately, the opposite is actually true in many cases. Fireplaces are notorious for heat loss.” The agency adds that the average fireplace is operating between 5% and 15% efficiency.

The concern about the environment and energy conservation has pretty much been the death knell for traditional open-face fireplaces. But there’s a solution: EPA-certified biomass stoves and inserts that use either cordwood or pellets made from wood, shelled corn, wheat hulls and other biodegradable materials.

Unlike traditional open-face fireplaces that burn too fast, certified stoves and inserts perform an efficient, controlled burn and produce substantially less smoke. Plus, the units can be used for supplemental heating.

Under the accepted industry definition, an insert is a self-contained firebox that fits into the existing fireplace opening. The usually zero-clearance product is connected to the chimney to vent the smoke and combustion by-products.

“Zero-clearance inserts are difficult to heat a whole house,” said John Crouch, director of public affairs at the Arlington, Va.-based Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, a nonprofit trade association that represents the hearth products industry. “It’s easier to [heat a house] with pellet and wood stoves.”

Stoves offer more versatility because they can be placed anywhere in a room or anywhere in a house. With efficiency ratings near 80%, (wood and pellet) stoves are generally used to heat a specific room or zone of the house, but because they have a glass window, homeowners can still enjoy the flame. “Stoves are very efficient, and control of the fire, heat output, burn times and installation options are greatly improved,” HPBA said. “The gentle waves of radiant heat will make your home cozy on the coldest winter day.”

But before you start specifying wood-burning stoves and inserts, there are things to consider. First, who is the buyer? As a heating source, a stove or insert is not like central air conditioning; it requires work. “If you have a client who wants a green home off-the-grid, then a stove or insert is a good idea,” Crouch explained. “But if your clients are busy doctors who might need a thermostat or remote [to start a gas fireplace], it might not be a good idea.”

It’s also worth noting that wood and wood pellets don’t burn quite as cleanly as natural gas or fuel oil, which is a concern if the homeowner has respiratory difficulties, as reported in Consumer Reports. But if the stove is an option, the upsides are plenty: a hearth appliance that looks good and blends energy efficiency with practicality. Who wouldn’t want a product like that? 

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