Water Heating Stoves

Water heating stoves are wood-fueled stoves that serve as a secondary water heater by supplying hot water to a home’s circulating hot water heating systems. A particular appeal of water heating stoves is their cost-efficiency compared to water systems heated by oil, gas and electricity.

How water heating stoves work

Water heating stoves are fitted with a pipe that runs water from behind the stove to a hot water storage tank. Water heating stoves are comprised of a sealed firebox surrounded by a heat transfer coil through which water circulates and is heated. The bottom wall of the firebox is at an incline to let condensed water drain out a trap.

Considerations for water heating stoves

Water heating stoves with convection flow systems are the safest as they do not depend on a pump or electricity. They should be installed with a generous amount of rise and should be designed for free-flowing water. This combination enables high flow rates and efficiency.

Water heating stoves with pumped systems require safety devices such as battery backup and pressure/temperature relief valves to help water pressure dissipate.

Most insurance companies will not cover custom-fitted water heating stove systems that are not inside water boilers.