19Feb
How They Measure Up against Gas Stoves in Heating Ottawa Homes
For new or seasoned homeowners, there is one amenity that always elicits joy and satisfaction to install and own: a wood stove. Cozying up to the roaring fire with a good book and an even better glass of wine in hand is an attainable dream. Wood stoves in Ottawa are a great way to warm up the cold winter months and give your home a cozy feel throughout the year. If you’re interested in installing a stove in your home, here’s what you need to know:
Installation
Compared to the relative ease of installing gas stoves in Ottawa, which are often available in ventless models, their wood-burning counterparts require a chimney to properly vent the smoke they produce out of your home. If you are building a new home, it will be relatively easy to make sure that it meets the requirements for the chimney, but owners of pre-existing homes—particularly older homes—will have to make sure that the existing infrastructure can accommodate one.
Fuel
When operating a gas stove, Ottawa residents will need a constant supply of gas to keep their heat going, which can become pricey over time. On the other hand, if you live in a wooded area, you can harvest your own fuel for a wood stove to provide you with comforting warmth on the coldest of nights. Harvesting the firewood locally—or if possible, on your own property—is an easy way to ensure you have adequate supplies for the winter season.
Safety and Maintenance
Both wood and gas stoves need to be properly maintained to ensure their safety and longevity of use. Dangerous creosote buildup will need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent your stove from becoming a fire hazard. It is also necessary to keep the screen shut, as the heat can cause burns if you get too close, not to mention the sparks and debris wood-burning stoves produce. You should always perform annual inspections, during which you should clean the chimney and check up on the catalytic combustor.
These are just some of the things to consider when selecting and installing wood stoves in Ottawa. Please be sure to review your options with installation professionals before making the jump to a warmer home. Don’t stand for another day of frigid house temperatures, and get a quote on a wood-burning stove today.