Wood Stoves Do More

We are all familiar by now with the oil crisis, and by the current threat of global warming. We hear about the problems of rising fuel costs, and the never ending cycle of developments in alternative fuels. There are more and more articles in magazines and newspapers about solar heating and wind energy farms.

When we moved into our country home set on a ten acre woodlot, one of the first things we noticed was that there was no wood stove in the living room. We did have a combination of wood furnace and an attached electric furnace in the basement. A wood furnace is good, but the warmth provided by a woodstove in the living room would make our home that much cozier and friendly.

We are fortunate that wood stoves are in great supply in our neck of the woods with plenty of models to choose from. On one of our many trips to the nearest city nearby, we started to look at different wood stoves even though it was summer and other renovations were in the process. We soon purchased one that would nicely fit into our small living room even though we knew it would be several months before we would have the time to install it.

Before we knew it, it was fall and we knew it was time to get to work on installing our new wood stove. We needed to build a base, and rock the wall not only because a rock face would look great, but for some added fire protection. With everything finally ready, our first wood fire was only a few days away.

What we've learned from having a wood stove is that the warm heat that it provides keeps our house warm well up into the late fall. And, one other advantage is that while our bedroom is on the same floor, it is far enough away that it stays comfortably cooler just right for sleeping. When the cold night's of winter blow, the wood furnace just doesn't seem to be up to the task of heating the entire house comfortable. All it takes is to start our wood stove, and within an hour, we are toasty warm.

We are also fortunate to have an abundant source of wood on our land. There is enough deadfall to cut up and burn for years allowing you to be frugal As well, there is a certain pleasure from being able to walk through the woods and pick up fallen branches to use immediately in our wood stove. Not only do you get fresh air, you get the opportunity to observe nature as it should be while you also get the advantage of a good work out without the use of joining a gym, or using a stationary tread mill. Stress relief at its best!

If you are fortunate enough to live on a wood lot, you've got it made. You have a bountiful supply of wood to keep you war, you can sit comfortably and cozy near your wood stove, and know that no matter how the fierce the winter storms blow, or if the power is cut off, you always will be able to enjoy the warmth of your wood stove.