Interested in a New Wood Stove for Your Home in Rutland or Somewhere Surrounding? We Can Help

Does your home need an upgrade? Why not consider a new heating appliance – more specifically, a new wood stove? At Rutland Chimney, we specialize in wood stove installation services in Rutland, Chittenden, Ludlow, Castleton, Manchester, and countless areas surrounding.

Whether you’re looking for a more modern-looking and eco-friendly option or a big and powerful reliable heater, our team is here to guide you through it all – from choosing the perfect model to professional installation to yearly maintenance after the fact.

Don’t wait to reach out – the sooner we get in touch, the sooner you can start enjoying quality heat and cozy aesthetics. Call or book online today.

Free Standing Wood Stove - contemporary with a wood holder to the left - stock image - Rutland Chimney.

Are Wood Stoves Efficient?

Yes, wood stoves are considered one of the most efficient fuel sources out there. In fact, many modern wood stoves are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which means they meet stringent emissions and efficiency standards – some stoves have efficiency ratings of 70% to 85%…or higher!

What do we mean when we say a wood stove is efficient? Well, this usually means two things:

  • They are designed to maximize heat output.
  • They are designed to minimize the amount of wood required.

This means you get more heat from less wood, reducing the overall cost of heating your home and living space. In addition, wood stoves can be equipped with fans or other heat distribution systems to help circulate warm air throughout the room, improving overall efficiency and comfort.

We Sell the Best Wood Inserts

We offer the best wood inserts in the Rutland area, all designed to elevate the comfort and warmth of your home. Whether you’re looking to improve heat output or enhance the aesthetic appeal of your existing fireplace, our high-quality wood fireplace inserts will deliver the results you’re looking for.

Boost efficiency, get a cleaner burn, and give your fireplace a modern upgrade by asking about our variety of wood insert sizes and styles. We’re certain you’ll find the ideal system for your home’s unique needs!

Wood Inserts - Wood insert stock image - surrounded by stone - Rutland Chimney

What Maintenance Is Required for a Wood Stove?

Like with most appliances around your household, regular upkeep of your wood stove helps extend its lifespan and improve overall performance – while keeping you and your family safer in the process.

First and foremost – invest in annual chimney inspections with a professional. Having the chimney or flue of your stove inspected and cleaned at least once a year (preferably before the heating season begins) ensures creosote buildup is removed and your system will operate more smoothly.

Other important maintenance tasks include:

  • Empty Ashes: Remove ashes from the firebox regularly, especially if they are building up and reducing your amount of usable space. Use a metal ash can with a tight-fitting lid to store ashes – and let them cool completely before handling.
  • Inspect the Interior & Exterior: Inspect the firebox for any signs of damage or wear, and ensure the door seals are intact and functioning properly. In addition, check for any exterior rust or deterioration, then clean the stove’s surface with a damp cloth.
  • Clean the Glass: If your wood stove has a glass door, clean it regularly to maintain visibility and efficiency. Use a stove glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar – and avoid using abrasive materials.
  • Store Firewood Properly: Store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture from affecting its burning efficiency. Well-seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote.
  • Check for Draft Issues: If you notice issues with draft or smoke back-drafting, check the chimney for obstructions or other malfunctions. If you suspect an issue, call in a certified chimney company – like us – right away.
  • Monitor Performance: Pay attention to how the stove performs, including how well it maintains a steady burn and heat output. This is the best way to note inconsistencies and issues down the line.

All in all, regular maintenance ensures that your wood stove operates safely and efficiently for the long haul – and it’s not something to put off or avoid. Have any questions? Our team is here and happy to help you out. Call or schedule with us online now.

What’s the Best Wood to Burn in My Wood Stove?

There are lots of types of wood out there, but the most important thing is to ensure any wood you burn is well-seasoned.

Seasoned wood is wood that has been cut, split, and allowed to dry for at least 6-12 months. This reduces the amount of moisture in the fuel, which allows it to burn more efficiently and produce more heat for your space. Seasoned wood also produces less smoke and minimizes creosote buildup – thus reducing your risk of chimney fires.

Now, while lots of moisture is bad, you don’t want your burn to be completely dried out. In these cases, the wood burns very hot and fast, which isn’t ideal either.

Wood should have a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning. The best way to check this is to use a moisture meter. If you don’t have one, though, check for the following signs: the wood sounds hollow when struck, it shows cracks at the ends, it is musty-smelling, and it’s lightweight.

What’s better – hardwoods or softwoods?

One isn’t necessarily better than the other – both hardwoods and softwoods have their own strengths. That said, most of the time, people recommend burning hardwoods… Softwoods can have their place in your home fires, too, though!

Here’s the lowdown on each.

  • Hardwoods: Hardwoods – such as oak, hickory, maple, and ash – are dense, have a high energy content, and burn more slowly and evenly, providing more heat and less creosote buildup.
  • Softwoods: Softwoods – like pine, spruce, and fir – ignite easily and burn hotter, but faster. They tend to produce more creosote, so they are typically better used for kindling or in combination with hardwoods.

So, best practice might be using softwoods to start your fire and really get it going, then supplement it with hardwoods to keep the flames hot and steady.

No matter what type of fuel you use, store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow for proper seasoning. Stack the wood off the ground and cover it to protect it from rain and snow while allowing air circulation.

How Can I Maximize the Efficiency of My Wood Stove?

Ok, burning the right fuel is clearly important for not only maintaining your wood stove but ensuring strong and efficient burns. What else can you do to ensure efficiency is maximized?

Follow these tips:

  • Size the stove appropriately for your room. If you’re purchasing a new stove, be sure it is appropriately sized for the space it’s heating. A stove that’s too large will overpower the area, while one that’s too small will struggle to keep anyone warm.
  • Keep your fires burning hot. Keep the fire burning hot enough to minimize smoke production. A hot fire increases combustion efficiency and reduces creosote accumulation in the chimney.
  • Burn the right amount of wood. In other words, don’t overfill the stove. Too much wood can reduce airflow and lead to incomplete combustion, thus wasting fuel.
  • Adjust the air vents to optimize airflow. Start with your vents wide open to establish a good burn, then gradually reduce airflow to maintain a steady burn – without smothering the fire.
  • Consider insulating your home. Wood stoves can do a lot, but if your home is poorly insulated, you’ll struggle to retain heat. Not to mention, good insulation reduces the amount of wood needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
  • Invest in a fan or blower. Fans and blowers are used to circulate warm air throughout the room, distributing heat more evenly and efficiently. If you need more power, this is a good way to achieve it.

And most importantly…

  • Invest in professional maintenance! More than anything else, investing in annual inspections and regular sweepings with a professional is vital to keeping your system in tip-top shape.
Fire Burning in a Wood Stove stock images - better to let a professional install - Rutland Chimney

Is DIY Wood Stove Installation Possible?

Installing a wood stove yourself is technically possible if you have the right tools, knowledge, and skills. However, DIY wood stove installation is generally not recommended.

You’ll have to ensure proper clearances, correctly install the chimney or flue system, and effectively seal everything to prevent leaks. And if something isn’t done quite right or properly adhered to, the risks are significant – think fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and voided insurance coverage.

In the end, it’s really not something to take your chances with.

Professionals, like us, are trained to ensure that all aspects of the installation are safe and meet regulatory standards. We can also help you select the right stove and figure out the best placement, in order to maximize efficiency and safety.

Gain peace of mind by working with us – call or book online today.

What Should Be Done if the Wood Stove Is Not Burning Efficiently?

Have you noticed your wood stove isn’t producing the same amount of heat it used to? Or maybe you’re having trouble starting and maintaining your fires? Maybe you’re even noticing smoke back-drafting into your home?

Whatever the case, there’s an issue, and you need to get to the bottom of it…fast.

Here’s some good troubleshooting techniques before you consult with us:

  • Check the Wood Quality: Ensure you’re burning well-seasoned and dry wood. Wet or green wood produces excess smoke and burns inefficiently, so your fix could be as simple as using better fuel. Use a moisture meter to check the wood, and if it’s too wet, store it in a dry place for further seasoning.
  • Use Different Burning Techniques: Maybe your burning methods aren’t working in your favor. Try starting your fire with small, dry kindling to quickly establish a hot fire, then gradually add larger logs once the fire is burning well. You could also try other methods like the tee-pee, log cabin, or top-down technique.
  • Burn Hotter Fires: Avoid burning your stove at too low of a temperature, which can lead to inefficient combustion and more creosote buildup.
  • Evaluate the Airflow: Could airflow be the issue? Open your vents fully when starting your fire, then adjust accordingly to maintain a steady burn. Insufficient airflow can lead to incomplete combustion.
  • Remove Ashes: A full firebox can inhibit your wood from burning properly. Remove any ash or debris that might be obstructing airflow within the stove, and be sure to keep your system regularly cleaned out.
  • Book an Inspection: Excessive creosote in the chimney can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, and poor draft can hinder efficient burning. Have a professional check for buildup and damages.

Need to have your wood stove evaluated with a team of experts that know their stuff? If you’re in Rutland Town, Center Rutland, West Rutland, or anywhere surrounding, Rutland Chimney is the team to trust.

Transform Your Home With Us

Transform your home with the warmth and charm of a new wood stove from Rutland Chimney. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional service, all while ensuring your new stove exceeds your expectations.

Contact us today to get started – give us a call or book online to get in touch.

Rutland Chimney is known for its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction…that’s just one of the many things our customers love about us!