Wood Burning Stoves: An Economical Alternative

Written by Christina Cardenas
on Jan 13, 2014

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Mar 30, 2022

A fire roaring in a wood burning stove with firewood underneath it.

The cost of heating your home these days can be quite astronomical. With the price of electricity and gas on the rise, utility bills are getting difficult to afford. Due to these rising costs, wood burning stoves have grown more and more popular in recent years. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that since 2004 the use of wood burning stoves has grown by about 39 percent. Below are some reasons why you should consider using a wood burning stove in your home.

Economical

Wood-burning stoves are one of the more economical choices in home heating since they don't require electricity or gas to run. Firewood is readily available and inexpensive, and you can also use those dead branches that you cut off the trees in your backyard over the summer.

Tax Credits

Another way a wood burning stove can save you money is on your taxes. The United States government has approved a 10 percent tax credit up to $300 every year, with a lifetime limit of up to $500, when you purchase and install a biomass burning stove between between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. For more information on wood burning stove tax credits, click here.

Ambiance

Not only are wood stoves economical, but they also add the ambiance of an open fire to your home. There's nothing like sitting in front of the fire on a cold night, enjoying the warmth with a nice cup of hot cocoa.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood burning stoves are also good for the environment. Contrary to popular belief, wood stoves are not pollutants, but a renewable energy source that burns cleanly.

Quick Source of Heat

Wood burning stoves heat up a room quickly and easily. Adding a blower to your wood burning stove can help circulate the heat throughout your home. Wood burning stoves can also be used as a secondary source of heat in that one room that never seems warm enough. Rather than turning up the furnace and making the rest of the house too hot, you can build a fire and just heat up that one room.

Many Styles to Choose From

There are many styles and finishes that you can choose from. True, manufacturers are still producing wood burning stoves out of cast iron, but porcelain, soapstone, and other materials are also used. You can get them in many designer colors if you purchase a porcelain enamel wood stove with a medium gloss finish. If you prefer, you can still purchase an antique wood stove, which will look stylish in any room of your home.

Wood burning stoves have a lot of benefits. They can save you money on your utility bill and taxes and are a good source of heat, light and ambiance without harming the environment. They can also be a stylish addition to your home decor.