A wood-burning appliance for space and/or water heating and/or cooking.

A wood stove sits on the floor of a room, usually away from the wall - though some of the newer models may now be placed as close as 8 inches (20 cm) from the wall. All new wood stoves are clean burning and have relatively high heating efficiencies that range from 65 to 78 percent. They may be catalytic or non-catalytic.

Styles and type of construction

Wood stoves are available in a variety of styles that vary from contemporary to traditional-looking models. They are usually made of cast iron, plate steel, sheet metal, or a combination of these materials. Some manufacturers have altered the appearance of the traditional cast-iron stove by applying different materials to the outside of the stove. Stoves are frequently enameled in a variety of colors and some are covered with marble or porcelain. Steel-plate stoves are generally made of 3/16- to 1/4-inch thick plates cut and stamped to shape. Cast-iron stoves are made of cast parts bolted together. The parts should have detailed lines and clean surfaces free of grains. The characteristics of steel and cast iron are not significantly different, therefore you can make your choice based on size, budget, and the design of the stove.

Features and what to look for:

You can tell if a wood stove is well-made by checking for clean castings, smooth welds, tight doors, smoothly-operating draft controls, and the appearance of good workmanship. Most stoves also have firebricks or metal plates to prevent burnout. These materials increase both the life of the stove and, to some extent, the thermal mass (the heat's storage medium). After the fire is out, a 500-pound stove radiates heat several hours longer than a 250-pound stove. Stoves may have doors on the top, on the side, or both.

Many of the new wood stoves have large glass doors on the side so that you can see the flames. Some glass doors perform better than others. For example, one type uses an infrared barrier in the glass that reflects heat back into the firebox. Some new models have airflow systems that remove soot and smoke from the glass doors, making them virtually self-cleaning. Wood stoves can also include several additional features such as thermostats, insulated door handles, removable ash pans and blower. We offer Majestic Wood Stoves and Napoleon Wood Stoves.

Chimneys

If you are purchasing a stove for a home that has never had one, you will probably need to install a chimney. Prefabricated metal chimneys are the easiest types to retrofit. They are relatively inexpensive and not extremely difficult to install. You will, however, need to cut a hole in your roof. If you are using an existing chimney in your house, make sure that the stove you are planning to buy is compatible. Many existing chimneys need to be relined, with stainless steel stove pipe in order for them to work correctly with the new high-efficiency stoves. Copperfield Chimney Supply has everything you need to install your wood stove chimney .

Purchase

The experts at Copperfield Chimney Supply are always ready to help you in making your final decision on which wood stove to purchase. Call or click today! 800-218-4947

While Lamorindans enjoy the last of our glorious fall weather, what better way to enjoy a slightly cool evening than to gather around a fire with friends and family? Nothing says ambiance like flames, or a marshmallow roasted to golden gooey deliciousness. From a simple pit to elaborate fireplace patio installations to fiery tables, homeowners and one local Country Club have successfully played with fire - with amazing results.

This past Friday the Moraga Country Club (MCC) celebrated the grand opening of its newest arrivals - a pair of substantial table-style fire pits with the second of two Fiery Friday Nights events. MCC Assistant General Manager Kathe Foster said they wanted another casual gathering place for the many members playing couples-tennis and golfers who have wrapped up 18 holes - ready for an adult beverage after a long week - or for families to enjoy the view. With a portable bar and food service available it's a lovely way to relax in the outdoor space. The sturdy tables each have a generous apron - wide enough to accommodate plates and glasses. Foster calls the fire tables the Club's "new toys" complete with cozy chairs and the addition of portable heaters in case the fog rolls in.
Other locals have warmed to the idea of accessorizing their own outdoor spaces with fire pits and fireplaces. Homeowner Jeannette Baird grew up just a few blocks away from her and husband Jim Baird's current home on the edge of Lafayette. She describes their outdoor room as "Italian inspired." An artist herself, Baird found magazine pictures of exactly what she wanted, showed them to her contractor and - voila! - a dining patio was born. The family loves the wood burning fireplace and has hosted many parties, book club get-togethers and even a Christmas brunch in front of the dramatic wood burning fireplace. The only downside is the squirrels that enjoy the grape vines winding their way up a column and onto the pergola, managing to nibble their way through the original strings of lights. The charming fixtures have since been replaced with commercial grade, squirrel-proof illumination.

Tucked onto a ridge in Orinda is Ellen Osmundson and John Allenberg's contemporary gas fire pit designed in partnership with Richard Sullivan and Shari Bashin of Enchanting Planting in Orinda. Ample seating is provided by cleverly incorporating a small retaining wall to address the sloping yard around the square stone fire pit. A Jacuzzi and barbecue area complete the upper portion of hardscape, in addition a welcoming patio with lounge chairs anchors the lower level of the home. Both the house and the fire pit area take full advantage of the spectacular view of rolling hills and highlight the privacy of the parcel.

Avid gardeners Jennifer and Allen Lescure had been shopping for a home with the potential for a multi-level back yard. They found it in a 1942 home that has been lovingly restored in Orinda with a sunny, usable, large rear space - a challenge considering Orinda's hilly terrain. The couple knew what kind of plants they wanted and enlisted the help of Garden Lights of Orinda to bring their vision to fruition. Mindfully including two Koi ponds, space for a compost area, a charming greenhouse along with bird cages and a friendly rabbit, their fireplace is nestled within the lush landscaping with welcoming green Adirondack chairs. "It's perfect for roasting marshmallows," said Jennifer Lescure, explaining the heat thrown out melts the marshmallows to perfection before they can burn.
A Rheem Valley Manor couple knew they wanted a fire pit area when their bluff-top yard was re-landscaped a number of years ago, and wisely had the contractor run a gas line out to the center of the flat lawn area. Fast forward a bit and these smart do-it-yourselfers visited a statuary shop in Half Moon Bay and purchased a large terra cotta urn that can also be used for a fountain. After maneuvering the cumbersome, ridiculously heavy piece into place, the rest was relatively easy. The lighting mechanism comes as a kit with installation instructions. The lady of the house vows that this is her last big project.

Another Moraga couple close to this writer's heart was looking for a low maintenance, but inviting lounging area and opted for a gas fireplace table combination. "Everyone seems to end up out there when we have guests," said homeowner Tom Tyson. Given the mild weather, it's used year round - with a lap blanket and a glass of wine on a cool fall evening or reading the Sunday paper with the dog. Of course the pooch doesn't read the paper, but he does enjoy the sunshine and is in charge of securing the air space in case a hawk flies by.

If you haven’t already jumped on the home energy-efficiency bandwagon, the good news is that several federal energy tax credits originally slated to end in 2010 were extended through December 31, 2011; but the not-so-good news is that these credits are worth significantly less and are more restrictive than before. All is not lost, however, since several additional credits (outlined below) remain in effect through 2016.

Here’s how the soon-to-expire energy tax credits work:

You may claim a credit for 10 percent of the total cost of various home energy-efficiency products for your existing primary residence, including: insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; metal and asphalt roofs; energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights; biomass stoves and non-solar water heaters. There are a few restrictions, however:

The maximum combined credit is $500 (10 percent of $5,000 in total cost) for all allowable products purchased between 2006 and 2011. Thus, if you’ve already claimed credits over $500 in previous years when limits were higher, you cannot file.
Certain items have lower allowable tax credit maximums. For example: windows are capped at $200 in total credits; furnaces and boilers — $150 maximum (must have an annual fuel utilization rating of 95 or greater); central air conditioner — $300 maximum; water heater — $300 (within certain efficiency limits); and biomass stoves — $300.
You cannot claim a credit for labor costs.
Energy tax credits are nonrefundable, which means you can only claim a credit to offset taxes you owe for the year; also, if you are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, your credits may be limited.
Tax credits may only be claimed once and are limited to the year in which you purchased the item.

Energy tax credits will continue to be available for geothermal heat pumps, solar energy systems and wind energy systems installed at new or existing principal or second homes by December 31, 2016. The credit is for 30 percent of cost, with no upper limit.

In addition, a credit continues for fuel cells at 30 percent of cost up to $500 per kW of power capacity (for primary residences only). And tax credits are still available on certain fuel-efficient vehicles. See this site for details. For full details on available tax credits, visit this Energy Star site.

Tax advantages are just one of many reasons to conserve energy. Besides helping to protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint, you can also save big bucks. According to the Department of Energy, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills about 10 percent per year by simply turning your thermostat back 10°-15° for eight hours, either manually or using a programmable thermostat — say, when you’re asleep or at work. Other cost-saving ideas include:

Insulate your home. Up to 30 percent of heated or cooled air can be lost through leaks, so add weather stripping and caulking wherever air escapes.
Heating water is the third-largest home energy expense, after heating/air conditioning and electrical appliances, so try lowering your water heater temperature to 120º F or lower.
Use Energy Star products, which consume up to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Go to Energy Star for information on finding local retailers, rebates offered by Energy Star partners and utilities, tax credits and more.
Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the winter and dust refrigerator coils every few months to ensure more efficient operation. Also, clean the dryer lint trap after each use.
Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system to your fireplace to re-circulate warmed air; and always close the damper when not in use.
Replace old windows with new high-performance, dual-pane windows.
Compact fluorescent lamps use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, last six times longer and save over $40 in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb.
Run full loads in your washer and dryer and use cold or warm water whenever possible.
Run full dishwasher loads and use the unheated drying cycle if it has one.
Turn off lights, computers, televisions and other electronic equipment when not in use.

And finally, if you’re a low-income household and can’t afford to weatherproof your home, find out if you’re eligible for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). If you’re accepted, a professional weatherization crew will conduct a home energy audit where they’ll analyze your utility bills, test for infiltration of outside air, inspect your home and equipment for safety and determine the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home

Depending on what they find, the agency will then conduct needed repairs and equipment installation, which might include: installing wall, floor and attic insulation; sealing and repairing ducts; reducing air infiltration and pressure imbalances; and tuning, repairing or replacing heating and cooling systems, as needed.

To learn more about WAP, see my previous blog, Home Weatherproofing Aid for Low-Income Families. Also, even if you aren’t eligible for WAP, you may qualify for short-term utility bill assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Bottom line: Take advantage of financial incentives available to make your home more energy efficient — just in time for winter’s chill.

This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.

According to the National Association of Home Builder's "Home of the Future" study, nearly half of industry experts surveyed say a room with a centrally located indoor fireplace remains a critical part of new home construction. Whether you're renovating an existing space or contemplating creating your own home's hearth room, start with the natural focal point of the room - the fireplace. Building a hearth room has never been easier using today's prefabricated fireplace, which does not require a stone foundation, said Deidra Darsa, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association spokeswoman in Arlington, Va. More

To transform an inefficient existing wood burning fireplace or zero clearance fireplace, have fireplace inserts installed. Fireplace inserts can add the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fireplace back to your home, but with a reliability not found in traditional wood burning fireplaces. There is a wide selection of designer styles available for fireplace inserts and accessories to fit into your home. Having fireplace inserts installed can easily add value as well as beauty to your home.

Where to Find the Best Fireplace Inserts

When you are looking for high quality gas or wood fireplace inserts, choose Copperfield Chimney Supply. Copperfield Chimney Supply has a wide selection of quality, beautiful fireplace inserts and other hearth products such as wood stoves, fireplaces, as well as gas grills. If you are unsure of what hearth product will work best for your home, the customer service team at Copperfield Chimney Supply will gladly assist you in the process of selecting the right piece for your home.