Is Burning Wood an Economically Feasible Heating Option?
By Tom Dorn, Extension Educator Heating the home with a wood stove is one case where money does grow on trees but the question is: Will wood heat be the least expensive option when all the associated costs are counted? Equipment costs The first factor when considering wood as an alternative source of heat is the cost of the equipment needed. Most people choosing to heat with wood will have both a wood stove and a conventional heater for times when nobody is around to stoke the stove. This adds to the investment compared to homes not using wood for heat. Wood stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces are high temperature heaters. The purchase and correct installation of a high quality stove and chimney flue are important to prevent fire hazards that could lead to loss of property or life. Installation in an existing home can be expensive. Holes may need to be cut through floors, walls, ceilings and roof to install the chimney pipe. National Fire Protection Association and local codes for spacing
