A dozen guys were standing around a San Jose, Calif., backyard the other day, gazing fondly at a naked chicken. It was a moment of some significance. It was not just about a dozen guys and a naked chicken. It was, perhaps, even historical. For man has achieved great things in the course of history, but one thing he has never achieved is the right to attend sales parties - at least not in the way that women attend sales parties - and stand around in a backyard in the company of a commission salesman and a naked chicken. More

As winters go, the North Jersey region lucked out last year, with no substantial snow and relatively mild temperatures. But if forecasters are correct, we may be in for a colder-than-normal season this time around, with above-average accumulations of the white stuff.

One way homeowners can combat the chill and make an investment in their home is by purchasing a wood stove or a wood-stove insert for their fireplace.

"Wood stoves are an excellent additional heating source," said Bob McNamara, owner of McNamara Fireplaces and Stoves, Pearl River, N.Y. (mcnamaraservices.com). "I tell customers that they can turn a cold, drafty fireplace into an efficient heater by purchasing a [wood stove] insert."

"Adding a wood stove insert can take a zero-percent-efficient fireplace and make it 75-percent efficient," said Dave Shirghio, owner of County Wood Stoves, Sparkill, N.Y. (countywoodstoves.com). He added that his business has been brisk. "We’re always busy this time of year, but people are really getting prepared for what might be a cold winter season."

One-touch Technology

McNamara said the popularity of wood stoves and inserts has brought about an interesting industry change - "Models are now available with a one-touch ignition system." He explained that the feature works by the same technology as that of a kitchen stove - a push-button "sparks" the element that heats up and ignites the wood.

"You don’t have to use newspaper or firestarter [products] to get the stove going," he said. "One click of a button will do it."

The wood also burns hotter compared to other models, McNamara said, at approximately 1,400 degrees. Depending on the efficiency of the model, the temperature inside the average wood stove/insert ranges from 500 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Hearth, Barbecue and Patio Association.

Cost for this one-touch feature is about $349, on top of the price of the stove or insert.

"This really shocked the market," McNamara said. "We’re very excited, and customers are going to love it."

Go Green, Save Green

Both retailers said wood stoves have become more popular than gas in recent years, because wood is more abundant and less expensive. Also, it produces far fewer emissions, thanks to newer technology.

Some manufacturers now produce hybrid fire stoves that give off very low emissions. Older wood stoves can have particulate emission rates of 30 or more grams per hour (g/hr). In the late 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency tightened regulations and established more efficient standards. Manufacturers have worked since that time to adhere to and surpass the regulations, with the latest models carrying a .58 g/hr rating.

"It’s unbelievable, how efficient these stoves are now," said McNamara.

Depending on the size and style, a stove can run $1,900-$3,000 and installation can cost another couple of thousand dollars. Installation of a fireplace insert is less than $1,000, on average.

But the return can be worth it. Shirghio said a customers’ savings on heating per month can range from a few dollars to a few hundred. "It depends on how much you use the stove, of course, but it can make an incredible difference in the long run," he said.

How They Work

Wood stoves come in a variety of models and can be used inside existing fireplaces or as stand-alone fixtures. Most can be installed against a first-floor outside wall, McNamara said.

Installation, which always should be completed by a licensed professional, includes creating a hole for an exhaust pipe through which the gases escape. Inside the compartment, you build a fire much as you would in a fireplace, and radiant heat is emitted to warm the home.

"A wood stove can heat spaces up to 2,500 square feet," McNamara said. "Rooms that are at far ends of the house won’t benefit as much, so location is important."

In large homes, Shirghio recommended having a standard heating system - an oil or gas furnace - for rooms that don’t get the benefits of the stove.

A yet-to-be-released report by nonprofit group Alliance for Green Heat shows that wood heating in America dominates the residential renewable energy market, even with virtually no government subsidies to support it.

“Transforming Wood Heat in America: A Toolkit of Policy Options” found that a $1,000 stove incentive could reduce as much fossil fuel as a $10,000 solar incentive, drive consumers toward low-emitting units and help ordinary Americans afford their utility bills.

“Our report shows that despite all the hoopla around solar, wood heat creates 80 percent of all residential renewable energy and it is a movement led by ordinary Americans—not wealthy families who can afford solar panels, geothermal systems or Priuses,” said John Ackerly, Alliance for Green Heat president. “In this age of retracting government budgets, we show that renewable energy can still move forward if we focus on technologies accessible to even low-income families, and not focus on the ultra-expensive ones that require generous government subsidies.”

The report will be released in its entirety July 13 and findings will be presented during a July 19 webinar titled The Future of Residential Wood & Pellet Heat in America.

About 13 million wood and pellet stoves are in operation today in about 10 percent of American homes, saving families hundreds of millions of dollars in fossil fuel bills, according to the alliance. About 80 percent of residential renewable energy comes from wood and pellets, it added, while only 15 percent comes from solar and 5 percent from geothermal.

The group cautions, though, that many of the residential stoves and boilers in operation now are too polluting and programs to replace appliances with new ones are necessary. But the report also found that while emissions are a barrier to widespread use of some existing technologies, wood harvesting is generally sustainable, according to the alliance.

The report authors interviewed more than 150 stakeholders to assemble a policy tool kit to help local, state and federal officials promote cleaner wood heating in America and maximize its potential as a core renewable energy technology.

“While federal and state subsidies flow to wealthy families to install solar panels, ordinary American families are reducing their reliance on fossil fuels much faster with wood and pellet heating,” Ackerly said.

The year-long study, partially funded by the U.S. Forest Service, was guided by a wood heat task force comprised of industry, air quality experts, nonprofits and foresters.

Now you can easily do so with the Anywhere Fireplace™ . The high style and distinctive contemporary design of the Anywhere Fireplace™ allows the ambiance of a fireplace to be enjoyed in any room and with certain styles even designed to use outdoors.

Many of us use flammable gases, such as propane and natural gas, for various purposes in and around our homes such as heating, cooking, water, etc. However, many of us take for granted that the system is still operating properly and has no problems. What we want to do in this article is give you a few safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Some things to remember are:

Check the heat exchangers for cracks, rust and corrosion.
Clean and check the flue and vent pipes for any obstructions, corrosion or pipe separations.
Check your heating system, or have it tested, for proper ventilation.
Clean or replace all furnace filters.
Check blower operation, clean and lubricate.
Check and adjust any pilots and burners.
Check that your gas appliances produce a sharp blue flame.
Check all electrical connections and controls.
Check all hoses for cracks, breaks or other signs of deterioration
Have your chimney, appliances and heating equipment inspected and tested by a qualified professional every year.
Install ventless heaters in accordance with manufacturer specifications, never using them as a primary heat source.
Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Keep exhaust vents and intake air vents for gas appliances clear to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating in your home.
Never use a gas oven or stovetop for heating your home.
Never use a portable charcoal or propane grill indoors.
Ensure cooking appliances or grills are kept clean of grease and debris.
Always have utilities marked prior to digging by calling 811.
If you smell gas in your home open windows and doors and go outside. Then contact the fire department and your utility company.

Following these safety tips will better protect you, your family, and your home against fire. Contact your natural gas or propane provider for more information.

As always if you have any questions, would like a fire and life safety program or need a smoke alarm installed feel free to contact the St. John’s Fire/Rescue, Fire Prevention Division.