How To Buy A Wood Or Pellet Stove Online
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Buying a wood or pellet stove
online is now easier than ever.
When I first published this
article early in 2006, pellet and
corn stoves were a relative
novelty sold mostly by fireplace
shops at full retail.
But it didn't take long for online
retailers to recognize an under-
served market and start selling
pellet stoves at a discount.
In addition to online discounts,
pellet and wood stoves are now
eligible for an additional 30%
energy tax credit up to $1,500.
online is now easier than ever.
When I first published this
article early in 2006, pellet and
corn stoves were a relative
novelty sold mostly by fireplace
shops at full retail.
But it didn't take long for online
retailers to recognize an under-
served market and start selling
pellet stoves at a discount.
In addition to online discounts,
pellet and wood stoves are now
eligible for an additional 30%
energy tax credit up to $1,500.
But buying a pellet stove online has its drawbacks. For one, some of the most popular
brand names like Harman are not available new online. Another is the absence of
support from a local dealer - assuming they have a good reputation for customer
service.
Some of the brand names you'll see online are Napoleon, Breckwell, PelPro, U S Stove,
Northstar, Vogelzang (wood stoves), Country Flame, Osborn, Magnum, and Enviro.
Enviro stoves tend to be the most expensive ($3,000 range) but they're also some of
the best looking stoves on the market. If you're looking for an entry level stove,
Breckwell sells its Big E model for around $1,800.
Many pellet stove manufacturers also sell multi fuel models which allow you to burn
corn, wood pellets, or other biomass fuels. This option gives you the flexibility to burn
which ever fuel is cheapest at any given time.
What Size Stove Do I Need?
The majority of pellet stoves are either thermostatically controlled or have a heat
output control on the stove. This feature allows the stove to basically size itself to
meet the twin demands of heating area and room temperature. However, you still
need to estimate the underlying stove size based on the number of square feet to be
heated.
An industry rule of thumb that seems to work pretty well is to allocate 30-35 Btu's of
heat input per square foot of living space.
For example: A 1,200 sq. ft. ranch house with good insulation would need a stove
rated at 36,000 Btu's (1,200 x 30 = 36,000). For two story homes measure only the
floor you intend to heat. If the estimated Btu's falls between stove sizes, choose the
next closest size.
Here are a few other items to consider before you buy online:
Sales Tax
With the exception of a few states, buying online will save you sales tax of 5% or
more. For the most part, only online stores with a physical presence in the state
where you reside, like Wally Mart, are obligated to collect sales tax.
Shipping Costs and Delivery
Free shipping is a powerful incentive to buy from a particular dealer and could save
you $200 or more. However, in some cases a pellet stove with free shipping could end
up costing more than the same pellet stove from a different dealer where shipping is
charged separately.
Due to its weight, your stove will be delivered by truck. When you arrange for delivery
request a truck with a lift gate. Also, most online stove retailers will not deliver to a
Post Office box or APO address.
Installation
I wouldn't attempt to order vent pipes, elbows, etc., online unless you know what
you're doing. Let your installer order the parts that conform to local building codes.
Estimated installation costs run $400 - $700+. If you don’t know an approved installer,
companies such as Service Magic can help you locate one in your area.
Warranty
Warranties are usually limited to one or two years parts and labor, but be sure to
check the online store's website policies. In most instances the buyer is responsible for
shipping costs if the stove needs to be returned for any reason.
Substantial savings can be realized by buying a wood pellet or corn stove online. It
also requires substantial planning and preparation.
< Pellet and Corn Stoves
brand names like Harman are not available new online. Another is the absence of
support from a local dealer - assuming they have a good reputation for customer
service.
Some of the brand names you'll see online are Napoleon, Breckwell, PelPro, U S Stove,
Northstar, Vogelzang (wood stoves), Country Flame, Osborn, Magnum, and Enviro.
Enviro stoves tend to be the most expensive ($3,000 range) but they're also some of
the best looking stoves on the market. If you're looking for an entry level stove,
Breckwell sells its Big E model for around $1,800.
Many pellet stove manufacturers also sell multi fuel models which allow you to burn
corn, wood pellets, or other biomass fuels. This option gives you the flexibility to burn
which ever fuel is cheapest at any given time.
What Size Stove Do I Need?
The majority of pellet stoves are either thermostatically controlled or have a heat
output control on the stove. This feature allows the stove to basically size itself to
meet the twin demands of heating area and room temperature. However, you still
need to estimate the underlying stove size based on the number of square feet to be
heated.
An industry rule of thumb that seems to work pretty well is to allocate 30-35 Btu's of
heat input per square foot of living space.
For example: A 1,200 sq. ft. ranch house with good insulation would need a stove
rated at 36,000 Btu's (1,200 x 30 = 36,000). For two story homes measure only the
floor you intend to heat. If the estimated Btu's falls between stove sizes, choose the
next closest size.
Here are a few other items to consider before you buy online:
Sales Tax
With the exception of a few states, buying online will save you sales tax of 5% or
more. For the most part, only online stores with a physical presence in the state
where you reside, like Wally Mart, are obligated to collect sales tax.
Shipping Costs and Delivery
Free shipping is a powerful incentive to buy from a particular dealer and could save
you $200 or more. However, in some cases a pellet stove with free shipping could end
up costing more than the same pellet stove from a different dealer where shipping is
charged separately.
Due to its weight, your stove will be delivered by truck. When you arrange for delivery
request a truck with a lift gate. Also, most online stove retailers will not deliver to a
Post Office box or APO address.
Installation
I wouldn't attempt to order vent pipes, elbows, etc., online unless you know what
you're doing. Let your installer order the parts that conform to local building codes.
Estimated installation costs run $400 - $700+. If you don’t know an approved installer,
companies such as Service Magic can help you locate one in your area.
Warranty
Warranties are usually limited to one or two years parts and labor, but be sure to
check the online store's website policies. In most instances the buyer is responsible for
shipping costs if the stove needs to be returned for any reason.
Substantial savings can be realized by buying a wood pellet or corn stove online. It
also requires substantial planning and preparation.
< Pellet and Corn Stoves
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