Tools and Resources

Authors: Melissa Bollman - John Ackerly - Jonathan S. Kays

Wood stoves are one of the appliances that generally should be purchased new. This fact sheet reviews why and why not to buy a used stove, and how and where to buy one. For example, if you’re going to use the stove more than twice a week during the winter, get a new one. You will end up paying less in fuel and getting more heat with less fuss and mess.

Authors: Melissa Bollman - John Ackerly - Jonathan S. Kays

People chose to heat with wood for many different reasons. Your own personal priorities will help you decide what type of heater is best for you. Are you mainly looking to save money or decrease your fossil fuel consumption? Do you have a large or small space to heat? Do you value automation or want something hands-on? Do you live in an urban or rural area? These are all questions that will likely determine what type of wood,pellet stove, or boiler you should get.

Authors: Melissa Bollman - John Ackerly - Jonathan S. Kays

Whether you buy or cut your own firewood, chances are that you still have plenty left to learn. Even people who have been heating with wood for decades often say “I wish I knew that years ago!” after reading tips like the ones contained here. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are sold substandard cord wood. This sheet will help you avoid getting a raw deal next time you buy firewood. And if you heat with pellets, there are new developments you should know that will impact the fuel you buy.

Authors: Derrick Bender - Jonathan S. Kays

Outdoor wood boilers, known technically as hydronic heaters, can be found across much of rural America. They are popular among the wood burning community because they provide a way to heat with wood while keeping dirt and ash out of the home. Although air quality problems can arise with outdoor wood boilers, most of these problems can be minimized or avoided if the best management practices outlined in this factsheet are followed. These practices will decrease the amount of firewood utilized thereby increasing the economic advantage of wood energy and minimizing its environmental impact.