Burrrr, don't you feel that winter air causing your toes to curl and your body to quiver? I sure feel it in my neck of the woods. The outdoor thermometer said 9 degrees when I stepped outside this morning. That's pretty darn chilly! You know what that means. I'd better have the windows and doors winterized and the air vents wide open. Unfortunately this doesn't do the trick for me. These measures are great and crucial as well. However, it's just not always enough. And that's why I turned to classic wood burning stoves. This may be a very old concept of heating, but let me be the first to tell you that it works great. A wood stove is a perfect back-up or primary heating system to have in your home.
If you're only used to electric or forced gas heat, then you may be shocked when you first experience the power of wood burning stoves. Nothing heats like wood! A wood-burning stove or fireplace radiates such a clean and natural heat. A powerful heat that can keep you warm and cozy at all hours. Recently old-school fireplaces and wood burning stoves have caught a bad rap. Everyone is so into gas now days. They want forced gas heating and gas fireplaces. Well, if you weren't aware of it, gas is expensive. Certainly more pricey than wood is. At around 140 dollars a cord, I can heat my home with three cords of wood for an entire winter. This is a much smaller cost than gas would be. You see, the dilemma with wood and wood burning stoves lies in the extra effort. Many individuals and families don't care to put forth the effort to running and maintaining a wood-burning stove or fireplace. You have to have the wood delivered, generally stack it somewhere accessible, haul it in when needed, and keep the fire burning. That's basically it. Naturally there is some clean-up since wood burns to ashes. All in all, it's totally worth it.
Let's ponder the advantages to wood burning stoves, just so things are put into perspective. A wood-burning stove requires no electricity. Therefore you don't have to worry about freezing if the power goes out. Wood-burning stoves can't blow-up. Gas obviously poses some issues. But probably one of the most overlooked factors is the ambiance. A wood stove makes an awesome centerpiece in any home. Company and family alike will enjoy it.
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