Question: Should I buy a stove with lots of automatic features like auto ignition?  What are the
benefits?

You might have heard this recently; “my stove is better than the other guys because ours lights automatically”. Is this really true and is this what I should look for? The answer to this burning question is really quite simple. If you would rather pay to have the electrical company light your appliance go for it. They really enjoy getting a check at the end of the month. Honestly, there are so many great features available today that will make your life easier, and you need to decide if they are right for you.

Do not, however, get led into thinking that these features mean that the appliance is better.

Do you want an appliance that does not meet your needs,  but starts itself ?  Not where you want to be I am sure.

Manually lighting a corn or pellet stove takes about 3-5 minutes. Automatically lighting a corn or pellet stove takes about 3-5 minutes. The difference is manually you use a match and automatically you are replacing the match with a form of an electronic match. Sometimes the difference is simply your preference. To weigh the benefits you need to decide if it is important to have the appliance light while you are away from home or if you would rather be there to light the appliance.

The MagnuM and Country Flame product line come in both styles.

We feel that if you are trying to conserve our natural resources, you should light the appliance manually to save electricity. If you don’t worry about that sort of thing we have optional auto ignition systems to allow automatic lighting of the appliance. The economical and efficient method is to manually light your appliance, use the manual or thermostatic operation mode to evenly balance your heating needs and enjoy long burn times between lighting your appliance. Most auto ignition systems on the market today incorporate a full shut down feature and should your home require frequent lighting of the appliance (sometimes 15-20 times per day), you will experience premature failure of the auto system.

The difference with MagnumHeat.com company and products is that we care about your needs and taking the time to help you make the best choice for your situation.

photo credit: blumenbiene

Stocking up on corn to get you through the cold months is great. This insures you have fuel readily available without buying and hauling repeatedly throughout the winter. Most corn stove owners know about how much corn they will need, but it’s common to have a little (or a lot) leftover.

Can I keep the corn and use it next fall?

Storing corn during the humid months is extremely difficult. To be able to burn corn in your corn stove, you must maintain the proper level of dryness. Yes, you made sure it was correct when you bought your corn last fall, but the cold winter months and dry weather help keep your corn in good condition.

So, what do we recommend? Find an alternative use for your leftover corn and buy new, properly dried corn next fall, so that your corn stove operates and burns as efficiently as possible.

Here are some ideas of what other people have done with their leftover corn:

1. Fill squirrel feeders
2. Crack the corn and use it in bird feeders.
3. Feed your chickens or give it to someone who has chickens or other livestock that would eat quality corn.
4. Supplement your campfire with corn
5. Make a HOT-COLD corn buddy: Fill a sock with corn, tie a knot. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes for a heating pad or store in the freezer for a fast ice-pack
6. Let the kids plant it and see if they can get the corn to sprout and grow; journal it, photograph it, blog it.
7. Fill an empty water bottle with corn, replace the cap, and let the kids give you a headache from noise.
8. Fill a sensory table with corn; similar to a sandbox, but less messy and easier to clean up. A small plastsic swimming pool works great.
9. Compost it
10. Drop it off at an approved deer or wildlife feeding location

Do you have other ideas?

photo credit: fotosderianxo

There was a time when we could shove garbage, cardboard, that old Christmas tree and just about anything else into our stove and burn it up. The results sometimes were angry neighbors and eventually the pollution control police came by and started placing a “no burn” tag on our favorite form of heat. Today modern technology has cleaned up the air and squeezes every available BTU (that is heat value) out of your investment. So the question remains, what can I burn in my stove and is premium fuel really premium?

It is fairly easy to explain what to do with agri-fuels such as corn, wheat, oats, barley to mention a few. If you make sure that the fuel is clean and dried down below 15 percent moisture (this is required to assure no spoilage anyway) you are good to go. You do have to make sure that your appliance is certified to burn these fuels (check on the label) and provide storage where the fuel can stay clean and dry. Our best advice is to only purchase enough fuel for the winter so nothing is left over to spoil in the summer high humidity months.

Wood Pellets and other Biomass fuels are a little harder to identify as being the premium quality fuel that you desire. Most of these types of fuel may start out as premium quality when manufactured by the fuel supplier, but if this fuel is not stored inside with climate controlled facilities, it will take on moisture and the fuel starts to fall apart. This is evidenced by a high percentage of fines in the fuel when poured out of the bag. You ask, how can I prevent getting bad fuel? Always use a reputable supplier. Fuel resellers that specialize in selecting and properly storing fuel are your best bet. Inspect the fuel when purchasing and if it is bad walk away. If you get bad fuel take it back to your fuel supplier and demand something better.

There will be differences in fuel quality and consistency so it is important that you purchase an appliance that is designed for Flex-fuels so that your appliance will be able to adapt to changing fuels. When you are doing your research check for multi-fuel capabilities and the ability to burn high ash content fuels. Last but certainly not least, make sure that you are screening your fuel, vacuuming out your hopper to get rid of excess fines and maintaining your firepot system on a regular basis. You will enjoy trouble free operation and be able to concentrate on snuggling on the couch and enjoying the romance of the fire. Ah, it is time to take a nap.

photo credit: Skechie

I just don’t understand it! I installed my Corn Stove expecting it to heat my entire home and save me a ton of money. I went through fuel like crazy this winter and have not seen the savings. What am I doing wrong?

Statements like this do not come along very often, but when they do it is fairly easy to find a solution. Let’s take a look at a few important things to consider before purchasing your corn stove.

First, a few important questions to ask:

1. What do I expect to achieve when purchasing a renewable energy appliance for my home?
2. Can I place the unit in the right location to get the most out of the appliance or is it going to be restricted by doors, small rooms or a lack of air circulation?
3. Is my home in need of a little or a lot of insulation so that the heat is not going out the window?
4. Can I enjoy my Corn Stove where I need to place it?

It is important that a qualified expert qualify your home and place your new Corn Stove where it will be able to distribute the heat evenly and give you the most benefit. Ceiling fans and running your central furnace blower will circulate the heat throughout your home and into those back rooms that need a little heat.

Most people do not realize that they are heating areas of their home that were normally shut down because of high heat bills. Typically the home temperature is up to 10 degrees warmer with your Corn Stove so it takes a little more fuel to get it there. You will enjoy the radiant heat and once again can sit in your home toasty warm and not covered with layers of clothes and blankets to save on those high heat bills.

Typical savings are in excess of 60 percent but even a 15-30 percent return on your investment in a environmentally green energy appliance is well worth it.

Proper placement, correct installation, fuel quality and scheduled maintenance will result in your Corn Stove operating at peak performance and efficiency. It is best to run the appliance on the lower heat settings like 2 or 3 rather than up at 4 or 5. The higher heat settings result in lower efficiency and the appliance cycling from high to pilot fire too often. A lower steady heat setting will bring the home up to the desired temperature and will keep it there for longer periods of time. The appliance will stay cleaner and you will not go through as much fuel.

Enjoy warm cozy days and nights while putting heating dollars back into your pocket!

Here are TWO great videos that will help on heating efficencies; selecting the correct appliance for your home and choosing the right fuel for your appliance.

photo credit: Zach Klein

In the past, purchasing a solid fuel appliance for your home meant increased insurance costs, possible no-burn days and problems on where to store the fuel. Today’s high-tech clean burning appliances have eliminated the need for expensive chimneys that cause most fires and have brought a smile to most insurance companies faces with the reduction in claims.

American Energy Systems (your flex-fuel, corn, and wood stove experts) has been instrumental in providing seminars to insurance companies around the nation to prove that modern day appliances are safe and do not have the problems that the old fireplaces and stoves once had.

Some insurance companies do not charge extra for adding in a Flex-fuel stove, fireplace insert or furnace, while some will charge a small yearly fee. If you are having trouble with your insurance company you can find another insurance company that will write you a policy. There are plenty who would love to work with you and your choice for alternative heating.

It is usually required to contact your insurance company before purchasing a solid fuel appliance. Being proactive will ensure proper coverage of your home and eliminate problems should a problem occur. Your insurance agent will be able to answer your questions and ensure proper coverage.

photo credit: drewgstephens

With diminishing home values, every purchase for the home has to count. With green energy on everyone’s mind purchasing a corn burning appliance for your home makes great dollars and sense.

While you are enjoying a 60 plus return on your investment every year in heating costs you are increasing the value of your home. A typical increase in value would be $3500.00. Added to this value is the fact that your home will be more attractive to a home buyer that is energy conscience and wants more money put in his or her pocket to make house payments.

If the time comes to sell your home, you may want to consider using a real estate agent who sees the value in alternative heating or is sensitive to green homes. As time goes on, I think we’ll see realtor and home buyers paying more attention to the energy efficient benefits each potential home offers.

Have you heard of American Energy Systems, the name behind the Magnum Countryside and Country Flame products?

If you’ve ever wondered about the history of corn stove and flex-fuel burning appliances, then welcome to American Energy Systems, or AES as some of our fans like to call us.

A Kernel of History: The Corn Stove

American Energy Systems Inc. of Hutchinson, Minnesota, is regarded in the industry as the leading designer and expert in the corn burning field.

I’m Mike Haefner, the president and founder of American Energy Systems Inc., and I designed and built the first certified corn burning appliance in the industry. I am a contributing author to the NFI training and installation manual on pellet and corn appliances and have conducted numerous training seminars on proper installation and operation of corn burning appliances.

Is there a topic you’d like to see addressed or a question you’d like answered here on our blog? Please post your comment. You can also join me on Facebook and Twitter to talk more about the exciting news in the alternative energy field.

photo credit: The-Lane-Team

Help! My stove is blowing up in my face, what causes that?

Signed, Singed and Smoking

With the design of the combustion system in a MagnuM stove, it is nearly impossible for the appliance to puff back, flare up and out the door, or “blow up in your face”.  If you are experiencing this with your stove, here is some information that will be sure to help.

Happening When You Light the Stove?

If this is happening when you light the stove then it is the starter fluid that you are using. Do not use gas, charcoal lighter or any other highly flammable liquid to start your stove. Only use approved starter for your appliance. This can be purchased at any good retail specialty shop.

If the fire is already lit do not add any fire starter. This is sure to give you a surprise. Fire starter gel is not intended to add to the fire once it is lit and burning.

Happening When You Open the Door?

If the appliance puffs out the door when opened or the fire flares up when you open the door then the appliance is either installed incorrectly, you have negative pressure in the home, or the unit is plugged and needs servicing. In all of these cases it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended daily, weekly and monthly maintenance guidelines and consult with a trained service tech to get your stove back in perfect operating condition.

We have a GREAT online resource for technical questions on our forum, which you can visit and find expert help.

To access the manual for your heating appliance, you can visit our Technical Documents and Owner’s Manual section of our website.

photo credit: quinn.anya

Many people who own corn stoves or who are considering buying a corn stove ask this question:

Can I buy corn directly, in bulk, from a farmer?

Farming is the backbone of America, and many people view buying corn directly from farmers as a way to support the industry, spend money locally, and save money by buying fuel in bulk.

The answer is yes, you can buy corn directly from farmers to fuel your corn stove. Farmers are a great source for getting corn directly. Many farmers have turned this opportunity into a business and sell corn and appliances.

I have not met a farmer yet who does not like to have someone stop by for a visit. Be prepared though for about two hours of great stories, hot cider, and oh yes, taller stories.

photo credit: Martin Pettitt

photo credit: Waypoint-zero

One of the most talked about questions in the alternative energy and renewable heating fields is:

“How much can I expect to save if I switch to an alternative heat source like a corn or pellet stove?”

Everyone’s story will be different but you can expect to save 60% or more on your heating expenses. I look at it two different ways.

1. If I took a couple thousand dollars and invested it in savings I would make maybe 3-5 percent on my money.
2. If I take that same money and invest in a corn stove or furnace I will get a 40-60 percent return on my money every year.

The frosting on the cake is that while saving money my home will be warmer than when my primary unit was heating my home, and I get the added benefit of the ROMANCE that a fire creates. We have story after story about how the corn stove became the focal point of the home bringing families together.

Do you have a story to share about your corn stove? We’d love to hear from you.

photo credit: Casey Serin photo

photo credit: norwichnuts