Brandon Homeowners Are Making Rutland Chimney Their Preferred Chimney & Fireplace Company

Brandon is known for its classic and welcoming small-town feel, but it’s also home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and recreational areas, so rest assured, there’s plenty to do. For instance, many spend their day exploring the downtown area, home to many art galleries and, of course, Brandon Town Hall, a historic building that hosts events and community gatherings.

Want to dive more into the history of the area? Brandon Museum at the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace is dedicated to the life of Stephen A. Douglas, a famous 19th-century politician born in Brandon, and it provides some insight into the history of the area.

More of a nature lover? Just outside of Brandon is Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, camping, and more. Or, for the more adventurous, there’s Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area, a popular spot for backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

And you won’t want to miss out on local festivals, like the Brandon Independence Day Celebration, and don’t forget to check out the local farmer’s market either.

All in all, Brandon is a perfect destination for those who enjoy history, art, and outdoor fun – and it’s all set in the scenic landscape of Vermont. We love that we get to visit this area (and so many areas surrounding) often, ensuring those living there get the highest level of chimney and fireplace care. Ready to book your appointment with our team? Call or reach out online today.

There’s No Better Crew To Handle Your Chimney & Fireplace

If you’re in Rutland, Brandon, or anywhere else nearby, you don’t have to stress out about chimney and fireplace services. Simply hire us for them all, then rest easy knowing you can enjoy your fireplace with peace of mind whenever you need it. Here’s all we have to offer:

Ready to reach out? Give us a call or book an appointment online today.

What Size Wood Stove Do I Need for My Home?

Choosing the right size wood stove for your home depends on a few factors, such as the size of the space you’re heating, how well your home is insulated, and the weather/temp outside.

The best way to determine your needs is to start with measuring your space, then figuring out how many BTUs are recommended to heat that space. Wood stoves should state how many BTUs they have, so do the math, find a reliable BTU calculator online, and then go from there.

Now, you’ll also want to figure in things specific to your needs. For instance, if your home is well-insulated, you might not need as large of a stove. On the flip side, if your home has poor insulation or is especially drafty, you may need a stove with a higher BTU output to maintain a more comfortable temperature.

Another factor is weather. Here in Brandon and its surrounding areas, we get plenty of freezing temps and snow come wintertime. Because of this, it may be better to get something larger with higher BTUs, if you’re hoping to really rely on your wood stove during these times.

And then there’s overall usage. If the wood stove is your main source of heat and you’ll be using it a lot, go for a larger unit. If it’s just to add warmth to a specific room, a smaller stove may suffice.

Need help working through your options? That’s what we’re here for. Reach out online or give us a call soon.

Wood stove fireplace in a cozy house

How Efficient Are Wood Stoves Compared To Other Heating Methods?

In a word: very! Modern wood stoves can achieve 70-80% efficiency, as they’re designed to burn wood more completely, thus producing more heat (and less smoke).

That said, everything is relative. A wood stove is one of the more efficient wood-heating options, but compared to any gas unit, it will usually lose out. Not to mention, efficiency can fluctuate based on several factors, including the size of the wood stove, the quality of the wood used, and the overall heating needs of the home.

In other words, if you’re using well-seasoned wood to heat a smaller space, you’ll really feel the heat. …but if you’re using wet wood and trying to get heat spread throughout a large family room, you probably won’t get the efficiency you’re hoping for.

All in all, though, wood stoves can be quite efficient, especially modern high-efficiency models – they just require more maintenance and labor compared to other heating methods. Yet, while gas and electric heating are generally more convenient and can be more efficient in terms of energy conversion, they may also be more expensive to operate.

With any heating appliance, you’ll have your pros and cons. It’s just about working through what’s most important to you based on your needs, preferences, budget, and fuel access.

Can a Wood Stove Be Used as the Primary Heating Source for a Home?

Again, it just depends! Wood stoves work best in homes with an open floor plan, where heat can circulate more easily throughout the house. In multi-story or large homes, heat distribution can be uneven. In addition, for a wood stove to be effective as a primary heating source, the home should be well-insulated to retain heat.

So, yes, it can be used as a primary heat source in the right circumstances. This is why working with a professional team (like us) who knows all of the ins and outs of this industry is a must. We can discuss your unique needs and specific situation, then guide you towards the unit that would best suit your space.

Wood Burning Stove in a home

How Can I Maximize the Heat Output of My Wood Stove While Minimizing Wood Consumption?

Want to use less fuel, while still getting quality heat output? Here are some tips to help you achieve just that:

  • Use seasoned hardwoods. Choose dense hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory, as they burn hotter and longer than softwoods, and make sure any wood you use has been properly seasoned and dried out.
  • Maintain good airflow. Adjust the stove’s air intake to control the burn rate. A slow, controlled burn usually provides the best heat output with less wood. In addition, ensure your chimney has a good draft, which allows for efficient combustion.
  • Use smaller splits. Smaller, well-split pieces of wood tend to burn more efficiently. They ignite faster and maintain a consistent heat output.
  • Keep your stove clean. Regularly remove ash, as it can block airflow. However, leaving a small layer of ash at the bottom can help insulate the fire and maintain a higher temperature.
  • Insulate your home. Ensure your home is well-insulated, with no drafts around windows and doors, to keep the heat from escaping. You can also consider using a stove fan or ceiling fan to distribute the heat more evenly throughout the room.
  • Burn the right amount of wood. Don’t overload your firebox – burning too much wood at once can reduce efficiency. Instead, burn a moderate amount and add more as needed.
  • Book annual inspections. Count on our professionals to inspect your wood stove and chimney annually to ensure all is set up right and working as efficiently as possible
Rutland Chimney always does a great job. They have maintained our chimneys and fireplace and fireplace wood stove insert for many years. The service is professional, staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend Rutland Chimney to anyone.

– Bill G.
★★★★★

We’re the Right Choice for Rutland Homeowners

As the trusted experts in chimney care and home heating solutions, we understand the unique needs of homeowners Rutland, Brandon, and anywhere else surrounding. Whether you’re looking to ensure your fireplace is in top condition, explore the benefits of a high-efficiency wood stove, or need a thorough chimney inspection, we’re here to provide reliable, professional service with a personal touch.

Choose Rutland Chimney, where your safety and satisfaction are always our top priorities. Book online or give us a call today.

Living in Fair Haven means you can count on Rutland Chimney Services for all your chimney services within our service area.