How to Choose the Right Size Stove for Your Home
A stove can provide an excellent source of heat for your home, but choosing the right size stove is important for both its efficiency and effectiveness. A stove that is too small won’t heat your home adequately, while a stove that is too large will produce excess heat and will waste fuel. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to choose the right size stove for your home.
Consider the size of your room
The first thing to consider when choosing the right size stove for your home is the size of the room that the stove will be located. A stove that is too small for your room won’t be able to heat it efficiently, whereas a stove that is too large will produce too much heat and burn through your fuel resources. As a general rule, you should choose a stove that is rated for the square footage of your room.
Use this guide to work out the size of the stove you need:
- Calculate the cubic space of the room by multiplying the width, height and length.
- Then, divide the cubic space by 14 and this will give you the KW output needed for the room.
- If your room needs a wood burner between 4-6 KW then you may need a small stove.
- If your room needs a wood burner between 7-9 KW then you may need a medium stove.
- If your room needs a wood burner between 10-15 KW then you may need a large stove.
Look at the stove’s heat output
Another important factor to consider when choosing the right size stove for your home is the stove’s heat output. This is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the stove will produce. Again, you should choose a stove with a BTU rating that is appropriate for the square footage of your room.
Think about your insulation
The insulation in your home will also affect the size of the stove you need. If your home is well-insulated, you may be able to get away with a smaller stove. However, if your home is poorly insulated, for example, in older properties or listed buildings, you may need a larger stove to compensate for the heat loss. Most newer homes come with high energy efficiency in the form of cavity and loft insulation.
Consider the stove’s efficiency
The efficiency of a stove is another important factor to consider when choosing the right size stove for your home. A stove that is more efficient will produce more heat with less fuel. Look for stoves with an efficiency rating of 75% or higher. At Incendium, we offer a wide range of stoves with up to a 90.4% efficiency rating.
Think about your climate
The climate you live in will also affect the size of the stove you need. If you live in a colder climate, you may need a larger stove to produce enough heat to keep your home warm. However, if you live in a milder climate, you may be able to get away with utilising a slightly smaller stove.
Consider the type of fuel you will be using
The type of fuel you will be using in your stove will also affect the size of stove you need. Wood-burning stoves require a certain amount of space around the firebox to allow for proper combustion. Pellet stoves, on the other hand, can be smaller because they are more efficient and produce less heat.
Choosing the correct size stove for your home is important for both its efficiency and effectiveness. When choosing a stove, be sure to consider the size of your room, along with the stove’s heat output, your insulation, the stove’s efficiency, your climate, and the type of fuel you will be using. By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to choose a stove that will provide the right amount of heat for your home.
If you need any further help choosing the right stove for you and your home, just give us a call on 01603 952878, or contact us and we will be happy to assist.