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The rigours of our North American winters and Mother Nature’s more frequent and fickle moods causing numerous electric power interruptions, has prompted many consumers to choose a back-up heating system. On their side, manufacturers have innovated in terms of the efficiency and appearance of their stoves and fireplaces. Faced with ever more numerous choices, how does the consumer choose a stove or fireplace that will meet both his heating needs and personal tastes in matters of quality, appearance and comfort? |
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Use |
Be it for heating the house in cold weather when the fall arrives or to bolster the home central heating system when the mercury falls below –15 degrees, a back-up system can considerably lower heating costs.
Certain models of stoves and fireplaces operate without electricity and others are equipped with a cooking surface. Characteristics that can prove to be very useful in an emergency (power outage)… and that minimize the fear of an ice storm!
The comfy atmosphere cannot be neglected. This legendary romantic atmosphere promotes pleasant moments of cocooning, while the crackling fire projects a certain reassuring “je ne sais quoi”, a relaxing, cozy effect, even on children. |
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Before buying |
Before heading to the store to choose a stove or fireplace, it’s important to know the size of the heated area and its particularities. If the unit is too powerful and you must limit combustion to avoid overheating the house, your installation will be neither efficient, nor economical. This will also result in increased creosote inside the chimney. As a guide, remember that 25,000 BTU’s will heat approximately 1,300 feet2 and with a 40,000 BTU model you will easily heat 2000 feet2. Large stoves are particularly efficient in apartments and open area homes where the heat can circulate easily from one room to another.
Remember to inform your insurer to evaluate the impact, if any, of a back-up system on your insurance coverage. |
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The models |
The world of stoves and fireplaces is filled with new and attractive designs. To limit your selection, first select the combustible you wish to use in relation to the outside space that’s available. For example, if you don’t have enough space outside to store a few cords of wood, a propane gas cylinder or an oil tank, eliminate these types immediately and turn instead to a pellet, anthracite or an electric stove.
Interior space is also an important factor. If you already have a masonry fireplace, you can convert it into a high efficiency wood fireplace or insert a specially designed gas model. As for stoves, you must also calculate clearance space, i.e. the amount of space that must be left between the stove and the surrounding walls.
Finally, the aesthetic and utilitarian aspects must be taken into account. If you wish to spend family moments by the fire, forget the stove. But remember, the stove offers heating performance that the fireplace cannot match. |
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Wood stoves |
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Wood heating, even back-up systems, carry advantages and disadvantages. Wood demands more efforts and work. For some, splitting wood can be a chore. Also, wood heating is messy, leaving bark and wood chips on the floor, as well as leaving the soot and ash residue. It’s also more polluting, both for the environment and the home’s inside air. Wood heating systems, depending on the models, are from 10% to 70% energy efficient. On the other hand, this energy source is accessible almost anywhere at a reasonable price. Operating without electricity and equipped with a cooking surface on some models, these stoves and fireplaces can be a great help in case of a power outage.
There are numerous types of wood heating systems. The radiant wood stove, made of cast iron or steel, gives off heat like the sun, by radiating in all directions. It only heats the room where it’s installed and emits polluting particles caused by single wood combustion.
The convection wood stove is different from the radiant model because of its baffles that produce, by convection, hot air currents. These baffles are made of steel plates placed more or less 25mm (one inch) from the sides of the unit. They’re located on the sides and rear of the stove. They form a double wall where the air is heated. In this case, convection can be described as the natural movement of cold air at the bottom of the plate that propels the heated air upwards, creating circulation. The front and top of the unit transmit heat by radiating it into the room. |
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The high efficiency wood stove carries a label that certifies that it’s in conformity with norms set down by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Association (EPA). These devices were designed to reduce polluting particle emissions to a minimum both indoors and out. They are more energy efficient, transforming 60% to 70% of the combustible into heat. There are two categories of high efficiency stoves: advanced combustion and catalytic combustion. In the advanced model, following the primary combustion in the firebox, a second mixture of air and combustion gasses is produced that burns again and raises the temperature at the stove’s outlet before exiting via the chimney and which means that the chimney contains but few combustion by-products. In a catalytic combustion stove, combustion gasses are directed towards a catalytic filter that reduces the combustion temperature by half. Thus, combustion is more complete and produces fewer pollutants. These units are more efficient, but more expensive at the end of the day, as the catalytic converter must be changed approximately every two years. |
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The traditionnal and high efficiency wood fireplaces |
Most traditional wood fireplaces are constructed of brick (heat resistant and clay brick) and are incorporated into the building’s structure. Unfortunately, aside from adding to the home’s atmosphere, they don’t even heat the room where they’re located. In fact, they sometimes evacuate more heated air to the outside than they create on the inside. It is however possible to improve a traditional fireplace’s efficiency by the addition of fireplace accessories such as: glass doors that will reduce air leakage when the fireplace isn’t in operation; an air duct that draws combustion air from the outside when in use; or an insert specifically designed to be placed inside an existing masonry fireplace firebox.
High efficiency fireplaces are designed along the same lines as “EPA” type wood stoves. They differ by the addition of a heat exchanger and, in most instances, by ducts that distribute heat to other rooms in the house. On the other hand, these fireplaces don’t diffuse heat into the room in the same manner as stoves. In fact, the room air is brought into the fireplace from below the combustion chamber, goes through an exchanger and is returned to the room through a grate located at the top of the unit. This type of fireplace is much appreciated for its aesthetic value and for its heating capacity, although its installation is complex and must be performed by experts. |
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The wood pellet stove | |
From an efficiency standpoint, the pellet stove is superior to the wood stove as it transforms 80% of the combustible into heat. As well, it emits fewer pollutant particles into the environment. Wood pellets, made of compressed sawdust, are placed in the hopper (reservoir) located at the back of the stove. The opening at the base of the hopper directs the pellets into a screw auger in the combustion chamber. Most stoves are equipped with two motors: one that brings in outside air and redistributes heat and the other that expels combustion gasses to the outside. Ignition is automatic, so thus, it’s not necessary to use matches or a lighter. Some models even come with a thermostat that regulates air temperature. The main inconvenience of pellet stoves is that they require electricity to turn the screw auger and the motors. A battery can be used on certain models in case of a power outage. The pellets come in 20 to 40 pounds bags available in the larger hardware stores. Note that pellet stoves don’t need high temperature chimneys. Some models can even be installed with a simple vent on the outside wall. |
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The corn stove |
The corn stove operates on the same principle as the wood pellet stove. The corn kernels are placed in a hopper that directs it to the firebox with a screw auger. A ventilator circulates the heat. The fuel flow is regulated by the screw, which thus regulates the heat. A chimney or a vent, according to a model, is necessary to evacuate exhaust gasses. This type of stove requires daily attention. In fact, the firebox is quite small and the cinders produced by the burning corn have to be removed. Like the wood pellet stove, the screw and ventilation motors operate on electricity.
A non-electric version exists where the corn is burned at the bottom of the hopper and heat is dispersed by radiation. It’s very useful in power outages, but can’t heat much more than the room wherein it’s installed. |
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The natural or propane gas stove and fireplace |
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Natural gas is an interesting option, particularly in condos and apartments where storing a cord of wood is a problem. If you’re not located near a natural gas distribution network, you can rent a propane gas cylinder and have it installed and convert your natural gas system to propane by changing the burner. Note that only a specialized technician can do this type installation or any subsequent repairs. Gas units have a high efficiency rating of 90%. Most models don’t require a chimney, simply an evacuation duct or a vent. The electronic ignition system needs electricity, but a match can be used in case of a power outage. Some models are equipped with a thermostat and even a remote control.
As long as they’re equipped with the right burner, all gas stoves and fireplaces can burn natural gas or propane. There are three types of gas units: inserted fireplaces, prefabricated fireplaces (with zero clearance) and stoves. The best-designed use artificial logs made of heat-resistant materials (usually ceramics). The flames produced are visible through glass doors and meet CGA-P4 norms. Look for this label on all gas units.
The inserted gas fireplace is used to transform existing traditional brick, wood-burning fireplaces or manufactured metal units. The gas burner and artificial logs are contained in a special metal firebox that’s inserted into the existing fireplace. The front is made of glass and surrounded by a decorative metal frame. You will need to replace the existing chimney tile by inserting an approved metal duct. |
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The zero clearance gas fireplace is used where there is no pre-existing fireplace opening (in a new construction or in a renovation project). The gas burner and artificial logs are in their own firebox that’s enclosed in insulated interior and exterior walls. This type of gas fireplace can be installed completely within the house or even against an exterior wall.
The gas stove is more efficient for dispersing heat as all the stove’s surfaces are exposed. The glass used on the front can be made of tempered or vitro-ceramic glass. Tempered glass is much less expensive, but shatters more easily and considerably reduces the quantity of ultraviolet heat dispersed into the room. Vitro-ceramic glass transmits a greater quantity of the infrared radiation from the flame to the room and is more resistant to breakage. |
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The oil stove |
The oil stove quickly produces heat and have an 85% efficiency rating. Fuelled by gravity, it doesn’t require electricity to operate. Some models are equipped with a cooking surface. Great for getting through storms, what!
The oil stove does have a few drawbacks. For example, its bulky oil storage tank can be a nuisance. It requires frequent maintenance. While some models only need a simple vent, others may require a chimney equipped with a stainless steel insert. Finally, the price of heating oil is subject to market fluctuations. |
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The anthracite stove |
Anthracite is a derivative of coal. It’s burned in high-efficiency units that do not emit smoke or creosote and produce little ash. The manually loaded anthracite stove operates without electricity. This type of unit doesn’t require a traditional chimney. However, the installation of an exhaust pipe or vent is necessary. Some models are equipped with a cooking surface.
Anthracite may be more difficult to find than other combustibles. Make sure that there are suppliers in the region before going to the store. |
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The electric stove and fireplace | |
There are entirely electric, 1500 watt stoves equipped with artificial logs that produce flames in three dimensions. An integrated thermostat, a flame luminosity and speed regulator, a main switch and a pulse radiator with ON/OFF function and a remote control (on a few models only) are the main characteristics of this type of unit. A wide choice of materials and finishes is available on these models. |
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