The 1998 ice storm gave many Quebecers a chance to learn about backup heating systems. Increasingly, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are gaining in appreciation – not only for the heat they provide but also for the cozy atmosphere they lend to a room.

As the market continues to develop and the choice of such products keeps on growing, how are consumers to find their way around? Regardless of your choice, be sure to inquire about installation standards and your municipality’s regulations on residential stoves and fireplaces. Then notify your insurance company about your plans. Determine the extent of the area you want to heat and how much you’re ready to spend. Lastly – this is an essential question, but not the least pertinent – are you looking for heat or atmosphere?

Wood-burning stove
This is the most popular choice. For creating atmosphere in the home it wins hands-down, with the added bonus of giving off the lovely smell of wood. On the other hand, it requires a good-sized space in a room and regular cleaning, as well as a chimney to evacuate gases.

Natural gas or propane stove or fireplace
The second choice among consumers, they are economical, light quickly, and (obviously) eliminate the need to store firewood. Most new models do not require a chimney, and the evacuation vent is powered by electricity. They produce more heat than woodburning models.

Pellet or anthracite stove or fireplace
Pellets are a by-product of wood, and anthracite a type of coal. Less polluting and “cleaner” than wood, this type of stove and fireplace emit regular heat. Some appliances have an automatic feeding system that can keep the stove fuelled with pellets from 13 to 24 hours and up to 50 hours with anthracite.

Oil-burning stove or fireplace
Considered less efficient than gas, it must be accompanied by an oil tank and a chimney. It does not require electricity to function.

Whichever option you choose, be sure that the appliance bears the seal of a recognized laboratory or association: the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada (ULC), Warnock-Hersey (WH) or Canadian Standards Association (ACNOR or CSA). Gas appliances must be recognized by the Canadian Gas Association. Lastly, in addition to economy and efficiency concerns, look for a model that has been certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). And have a nice, toastywarm winter!

Questions? Planning to have work done?
Consult our bank of Approved Residential Suppliers, which lists more than 700 reliable businesses. If you are a CAA-Quebec member, you can call the professionals at our Residential Advisory Services, free of charge, as often as you wish. They are there to help you make informed, objective choices, whatever project you plan to undertake.