It takes some know-how to choose a good wood heater that warms your toes without breaking the bank. You may spend hours looking via forums or asking your neighbor who “knows a guy.” You can definitely save money without giving up comfort. What’s the trick? Mix common sense with a little bit of thriftiness and a lot of hard work. Get more info here!

First, figure out what you really need. Don’t be fooled by the smooth sales presentation for a stove with a lot of features you’ll never use. Your primary concerns should be how much heat it puts out, how big it is for your room, and how efficient it is. Think of Goldilocks: if it’s too big, you’ll feel like you’re in a sauna; if it’s too little, you might as well light candles. Get it “just right.”

Once you’ve found the proper wood stove, look for deals at hardware stores or places that sell reused building materials. You can save a lot of money by buying a used stove, and some of them have only been used once in the winter. A friend once got his for the price of a meal over the weekend. Just check to see if it has been certified as safe.

If you’re not ready, the costs of installation can sneak up on you. Figure out what you can do on your own and what you need help with. A lot of people can get the area ready, get rid of flammable materials, and put in a proper fireplace. The stove should be on a surface that won’t catch fire, such tile or stone. Don’t skip this unless you like the smell of burnt carpet.

Installing a chimney is a hard line. If you don’t know how to do it, hire someone who does. A flue that doesn’t fit well isn’t only a mess; it’s dangerous. If you cut corners here, you can be igniting more than flames.

It might seem like a lot of red tape to get permits, but they safeguard your money and your safety. Before you start a fire, you should check out the local websites or call city hall to see if your city has any strange rules. Not doing this step could cause problems later on.

When it comes to fuel, dry wood is the best. If you burn damp wood, you’ll have to scrub up creosote all winter. Check with people in your area. Sometimes, residual tree crew work or heaps of wood from the farm create wonderful seasonal supply. Put your logs in a pile off the ground, cover the top, and let air circulate through the sides.

Don’t forget to do routine maintenance. A clean stove uses less wood and gives off more heat. Put on some gloves and sweep out the flue once a year, or hire a chimney cleaner. If you forget, you might hear Santa up there coughing.

Finally, talk to people who have done it previously. They’ll tell anecdotes, some of which will be humorous and some will be warnings about raccoons in chimneys or the time the living room looked like a smokehouse. Learn from their mistakes and save yourself time, money, and a little bit of your mind.

You won’t have to choose between a warm winter and your savings account if you follow these simple guidelines. With a little labor and smart choices, you can keep your space warm and your money safe. Have a great time burning!