How to Choose the Correct Wood Stove Size for Your HomeBy JHCadmin, November 1, 2010 Have you ever sat in a room heated by a wood-burning stove and felt stifled?That’s because the stove was too large for the room it was in. A stove that’s “too big for its britches” forces you to shut down the bypass and air control, thus reducing the air supply into the stove. When you reduce the air supply, you decrease the stove’s efficiency, waste fuel, and the stove’s window turns black.If you’re burning your stove hot enough, on the other hand, the window of your stove should never turn black, and your stove should hold the fire for 8-10 hours.There are three types of wood stoves:Low heating capacityMedium heating capacityLarge heating capacityTo determine which size is best for your space, run through the following checklist:1. How much square footage do you plan to heat with the stove? If you need to heat only one large room, or a vacation home that you visit a few times per year, a small stove will do.If you plan to heat an entire floor or a 1-2 bedroom home, choose a medium stove.For a large home (or a moderate-size home in a cold climate), consider a large stove.2. Where will the stove be located?In what room – and what part of the room – will your stove be located? If possible, you’ll want the air to circulate into other areas of your home so the room the stove is in doesn’t get super-heated. A free-standing stove in the back corner of your family room might not allow for easy airflow into other rooms. In that case, purchasing a smaller stove to heat just the one room might be your best bet.Even stoves with small heating capacities come in different dimensions, so you must precisely measure the space where your stove will go so you make sure it fits.3. What will you use the stove for?If your wood stove is mainly for ambiance or as an emergency heat source during a power outage, choose a smaller stove.If you’re going to cook on your wood stove, you’ll want to investigate models that come with cooktops and warming surfaces.If a wood stove stove will be your home’s primary (or only) heat source, consider investing in multiple stoves so every area of your home stays toasty.The sales consultants at any of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms – in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Southcenter, Tacoma, and Silverdale – will be happy to help you determine the correct stove size for your space and will point out several models that would be appropriate for your home.Here’s a helpful video from our friends at Travis Industries, manufacturer of the Lopi, Avalon, and Fireplace Xtrordinair (FPX) brands of wood stoves: Chapter 4 from Travis Industries on Vimeo. Recent Articles See All 7 Must-Have Hot Tub and Swim Spa Features Hot Tubs and Swim Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:March 1, 2023 An effective and enjoyable way to get pain relief is in a hydrotherapy spa or swim spa. Powerful jets alleviate body aches, while the buoyancy from the water takes pressure off joints. Read More Rich's New Tigard, Oregon Store: A Chat with Manager Rick Campbell General Articles Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:February 1, 2023 Meet Tigard, Oregon store manager, Rick Campbell, who has been in the hot tub/patio/BBQ business more than 25 years in the Portland metro area. Read More Grill Islands - Easily Create an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Backyard Grills Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:January 2, 2023 Grill islands: Modular outdoor kitchens with grill(s), workspace, fridge, storage, and more. Read More Tartan and Sparkle Holiday Mantel - DIY Tutorial Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 3, 2022 Step-by-step tutorial for your holiday mantel: How to create a classic tartan design. Read More DIY Winter Mantel Décor Tutorials: Golden Magnolia Wreath and Cinnamon Stick Votive Holder Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 2, 2022 DIY Holiday Mantel Decor tutorial: Golden Magnolia wreath and cinnamon stick votive holder. Read More How to Transform Your Mantel to a Winter Wonderland Design Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 1, 2022 We show you how to transform your fall mantel decor to a winter wonderland design easily and quickly! Check out our 15-sec time-lapse photo that shows us making the switcheroo. Read More