Learning About Home Decor Elements

Rising heating fuel and electricity costs are causing many homeowners to consider adding another heat source to their homes in an effort to help stabilize or reduce their home heating costs. For many, the most likely alternative to traditional gas, oil, or electric furnaces is a freestanding wood stove or fireplace insert that can be connected to an existing chimney or flue. While the use of an existing fireplace or chimney can be far more economical than having to build one, there are three important things that every home should do before putting them back into service.

Check with your home insurance provider to ensure coverage

Because wood heat can pose additional risks of a house fire, especially if using a damaged chimney, flue, or heating appliance, some home insurance providers may be reluctant or unwilling provide coverage. To be safe, homeowners should always verify coverage with their home insurance provider prior to installing any wood heating appliance. If your current provider will not cover wood heat, make sure that you find coverage with another insurance company, as well as following any special installation instructions required by your insurer.  

Determine if the chimney will provide the proper amount of draft

To burn efficiently and provide stable heat, a wood burning stove or insert must be connected to a chimney or flue that has the correct amount of draft. The term draft refers to the action of warm air rising upwards through the chimney or flue and exhausts smoke while feeding more oxygen to the fire. Chimneys that are do not extend high enough the peak of the roof are less able to create the proper amount of draft.

To draft properly, homeowners should make sure their chimney or flue extends at least two feet above the peak of their roof. Chimneys or flues that are shorter than this measurement may need to be extended or replaced in order to get the proper amount of draft for a wood burning stove. 

Have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected

It takes more than a visual inspection to make sure that an existing chimney or flue can be used safely with a modern wood heating appliance. Having your flue cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney service is the best plan for reducing any risks associated with the use of a wood heater or fireplace insert. These professionals use specific tools and testing, including a smoke test, to ensure that there are no latent cracks or damage that might endanger your home or family while using your wood stove.