With the recent tax incentives and heating costs predicted to go to all time highs, consumers are looking for alternative ways to heat their homes and asking the question “ when is a wood stove the right option for my alternative heating needs?” The answer to this question starts with researching the expansive information located on AES’s website www.magnumheat.com and the www.hpba.org website.  From there let’s take a look at what is right for you so that you can make a wise decision.

Is a wood stove or fireplace right for you?

The first question to ask yourself is “do I really want to have a wood fire and can my lifestyle accommodate the investment of time”. Most people love a wood fire, the romantic glow and the cozy warmth that will warm you through and through but forget to realize how much work goes into having a wood stove. If the answer is YES to having a readily available wood supply or like dressing up like Paul Bunyan and swinging an axe (or chainsaw), YES to having a safe place to store your wood and dispose of your ashes, YES to fitting in the time to maintain your wood stove and chimney system then you are ready to invest in a cost effective environmentally friendly wood stove, fireplace or fireplace insert for your home.

Ok, so now your excited and ready to jump in your truck (or gas saving hybrid car) and go find a wood burning appliance and have it installed before the weekend. But wait, have you checked to see what the requirements are in your area for emission codes and local burning compliance? Cleaning up our environment and making our planet a safe place to breath is of vital importance. The EPA, appliance manufacturers and local governments have teamed up to make sure that the future of the air we breathe will be clean and healthy. It is important to make sure that your choice of wood burning equipment will meet the requirements of local burning codes so that you will not install that beautiful stove only to find out that there are days that you cannot burn it. So give your local authorities a call to get up to date information on wood burning compliance. MagnuM and Country Flame wood burning appliances are certified to comply with the strictest of air quality standards and our wide variety of product features will certainly complement your home.

Now that you are armed with information on what you can install in your home where do you go from here? There are so many choices, so many different looks and features. Your head is already spinning and everyone seems to have the “right” product for your home. You are asking yourself “how do I find the right product for MY home”? This is where American Energy Systems can help you. Our team of product specialists along with a national network of qualified resellers will be glad to assist you in finding the wood burning appliance of your dreams. It all starts by going to MagnumHeat.com to get your journey to warm nights, cozy beginnings and assurance that you are doing your part to conserve our natural resources and clean up the air we breathe. Now doesn’t that just make you feel warm all over?

photo credit: seantoyer

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