A wood-burning stove can be a timeless heirloom that adds unique charm to a place while serving a crucial function. You don’t usually see wood stoves for sale on the secondary market because these sturdy pieces of equipment often serve as a cozy monument to good times spent together in a home.
But nothing lasts forever, not even a solid cast-iron stove. So, what happens when you need to replace your cherished wood heater and how do you know when that time has come? Cast-iron wood stoves can lose efficiency, become difficult to clean, or even become unsafe to operate as they age. When this time inevitably comes you’ll need to replace a well-worn cast-iron wood stove. With a few simple tools, attention to detail, an owner’s manual and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, you can have a new stove up and running in no time. We’re here to help guide you to your next modern wood-burning stove that can last for many years to come!
When to Replace a Wood Stove
An outdated stove will not produce the long-lasting, clean-burning fires that contemporary wood stoves do. This is because the stove is burning wood inefficiently, which means that you’ll need to spend more effort and money on fuel to heat your home. Additionally, it’s unlikely that your wood stove is up to snuff when it comes to emissions and EPA regulations, which means it probably didn’t get you that coveted wood stove tax credit.
If you notice performance changes in your stove, it’s likely time to start your search for a modern, high-efficiency wood stove. Things like faster-than-normal burn times, a warped stove body, instances of deep rust or visible cracks are all indications that your stove should be retired and replaced. If you’re looking for the most efficient wood stove, our Vermont Castings or Quadra-Fire offerings are among the most efficient wood stove options on the market today.
The Lifespan of a Wood Stove
While some wood stoves have been in use for several decades, it’s best to replace yours a bit sooner. An EPA-certified wood stove that meets modern quality, safety and efficiency standards will typically last ten to twenty years, with proper maintenance and care. To get the most out of your investment, you’ll need to keep a couple of things in mind when searching for your new wood stove.
First, it’s important to invest in a high-quality, efficient wood stove. While there may be more inexpensive options available, the longevity, efficiency and safety of a top-of-the-line Vermont Castings or Quadra-Fire stove are well worth the initial expense. Once you’ve chosen your stove, be sure that it’s installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications so that you’re confident that your stove is as safe and efficient as it can be. Regular, thorough maintenance and cleaning will go a long way in prolonging your stove’s effective lifespan.
How to Repair a Wood Stove
When you have an efficient wood stove heating your home, enjoying a fire in it is something that you’ll want to do again and again. With repeated use things wear out, but you’ll be able to accomplish most repairs to your stove with a few simple tools. Wood stove replacement parts are available from many of our authorized Forge & Flame Hearth Dealers. Whether you need a wood stove glass replacement or an entire wood stove door replacement our hearth dealers have you covered. Even if the repair is slightly more involved, like with a wood stove blower replacement, our friendly professionals are eager to point you in the right direction.
Be careful, though; not every issue can be repaired. It’s important to know when it’s necessary to replace your stove. Warped metal or cracks to the body of your stove are signs that you should be looking to replace it soon. These concerns not only detract from the aesthetic of your stove, but they represent potential efficiency and safety problems that you’ll need to address.
How to Dispose of Your Old Wood Stove
Your old wood stove will need to be disposed of. Turning your old wood stove in is a simple task. Many areas have programs to support homeowners who wish to limit their smoke emissions and conserve energy. Changing out your stove benefits you and your community. Modern stoves reduce emissions by over 70 percent, in contrast to the wood stoves before 1992. Installing EPA-certified wood-burning appliances can significantly improve the indoor and outdoor air quality in your community.
Visit the HPBA Wood Stove Changeout initiative to learn how you can update your old, pre-EPA-certified stove with a high-efficiency alternative.
How to Choose the Right Wood Stove for Your Home
There are several factors to consider when choosing your replacement stove. The space that you intend to heat with your stove will dictate how many BTUs you'll need. Once you’ve determined the size that you’ll need, you can address the aesthetics of the unit to ensure that it complements the space where it will be installed. Some brands, like Quadra-Fire, offer cutting-edge proprietary technologies that can greatly elevate your wood-burning experience. Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the stove.
Keep in mind that many modern wood stoves are eligible for the wood stove tax credit which will offset your initial investment. Vermont Castings and Quadra-Fire stoves meet and exceed these criteria, and will provide the warmth that you need for many years to come.
Find one of our professional hearth dealers near you and start the process of replacing your stove today.
