VENTED GAS STOVES
Gas stoves are decorative free standing stoves that are designed as supplementary heat sources for a one to two room area or larger open areas, unlike wood stoves that are whole house heaters. Gas stoves can burn either natural gas or liquid propane, but they need to be set up for the proper gas. The installation of gas stoves is normally very simple. Most stoves require a small vertical rise, and then they can be vented directly out a wall. If you are not able to vent through the wall, all these units can be vented through the roof, in some cases in masonry chimneys. Like wood stoves, gas stoves are made in many different materials, steel, cast iron and soapstone with different enamel and stone finishes. Your sure to find one to fit your décor. Although gas stoves can be installed in any location, basements and enclosed patio rooms are the most popular. Most gas stoves will range in price from $1100 to $1900.



WOOD STOVES AND INSERTS
Wood stoves are free standing heaters that burn cord wood to produce high amounts of heat and efficiency. There have been significant advances in wood burning technology regarding wood stoves. Most wood stoves can now be fit with outside air adapters that will utilize combustion air from outside the home instead of room air. Also, wood stoves now feature secondary burn tubes which re-circulate unburned gases back into the burn chamber for increased efficiencies. Wood stoves are primarily made from three types of materials, steel, cast iron and soapstone.



PELLET AND CORN STOVES
Pellet stoves are stoves that burn pelletized fuels. Pellets are typically made of wood sawdust and shavings. They are also made from paper, cardboard, nut shells, and even baby diapers. The pellets are loaded into a hopper that is attached to the stove. Then a motorized screw auger feeds the pellets into the "fire pot". Air forced in by fans causes almost a forge type burn. All of this is regulated by a control board on the stove. Pellet stoves are the cleanest burning and most efficient way of burning wood. Because they burn so clean, most stoves can be direct vented (no vertical chimney). Although you can get battery backup systems, pellet stoves do require electricity to operate. Corn stoves are the same as pellet stoves but burn dried field corn kernels. The big difference is that burnt corn forms a liquid sugar build-up. (Called a clinker) that normally needs to be cleaned out approximately every day, where burning with wood pellets, you may be able to burn in excess of one month.