Trusted Wood Stove Installation & Repair in Philadelphia

What Are the Benefits of a Wood Stove Over a Fireplace?

Wood stoves offer distinct advantages over the more traditional open-facing wood fireplace, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners all over Philadelphia and beyond.

There are many reasons to love wood stoves; the following are some of the best:

• Much More Energy Efficient. Wood stoves convert a greater percentage of the wood’s energy into usable heat, providing more warmth with less fuel, making them a cost-effective heating option. And since these appliances feature an enclosed combustion chamber that creates radiant heat, no warmth is lost through the chimney like in a classic open fireplace setup.
• Reduced Smoke and Emissions. Wood stoves produce less smoke and fewer emissions compared to fireplaces due to their more complete combustion process, contributing to a cleaner environment. This also makes these appliances an excellent choice for those with underlying respiratory conditions who might experience breathing problems that are exacerbated by woodsmoke.
• Lower Maintenance and Ease of Operation. The efficient combustion in wood stoves results in less creosote buildup in your chimney, reducing the risk of dangers like chimney fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Plus, because wood stoves are designed to be fully contained behind a glass door, the entire operation/maintenance experience is easier and simpler than a traditional wood fireplace.
• Incredibly Versatile. Unlike fireplaces and fireplace inserts, wood stoves can be installed in various locations within your home – not just against an exterior wall. This flexibility of placement options allows for optimized heat distribution and better integration with your home’s layout. These days, wood stoves are also available in a variety of different materials and finishes, making them that much more customizable to fit your desired aesthetic and home decor needs.
• Environmentally Friendly. With their efficient combustion and reduced emissions, wood stoves are a greener heating solution, offering both warmth and ambience with less environmental impact. Not to mention that wood – when sourced responsibly – is a renewable resource that can help you cut back on your carbon footprint.

If you’re curious to learn more about wood stoves and find out if they’re the heating solution you’ve been looking for, we invite you to get in touch with our highly knowledgeable team. You can reach us by calling 610-580-2293 or by filling out our appointment request form.

Can You Service a Wood-Burning Stove?

Yes, absolutely. Just like every other hearth appliance that requires routine, annual maintenance and some occasional servicing, a wood stove is no different. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your wood stove operates efficiently and safely. For wood stoves specifically, we perform the following:

• Inspect Various Components: We examine the stove’s parts and pieces, such as the catalytic combustor (if applicable), baffle, flue collar, and air intake systems to ensure everything is functioning properly.
• Deep and Thorough Cleaning: We’ll then clean the interior of the stove, including the firebox, baffle, ash pan, and other easily-removed components to clear them of soot, ash, and creosote buildup that can affect performance and overall appliance safety.
• Chimney Inspection and Cleaning: Our techs will inspect and clean your stove’s chimney to prevent dangerous creosote buildup. We also verify that there are no other blockages that could lead to chimney fires or other dangers like carbon monoxide exposure.
• Gasket Replacement: We’ll check and replace any worn or damaged gaskets on the doors and glass to maintain a tight seal, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
• Smoke and Draft Test: We’ll run tests to ensure your stove is drafting correctly, which is essential for safe and efficient operation.
• Firebrick Replacement: If your wood stove features firebrick on the inside of the unit, our expert technicians will check to make sure they’re still in good condition. If any are cracked or damaged, we’ll replace them to protect the stove, enhance safety and performance, and increase its longevity.
• Performance Optimization: Finally, we’ll adjust the air settings and provide tips to help you get the most efficient burn from your stove.

To learn more about wood stove services and what sets D.J. Cross apart, we invite you to reach out to someone from our team. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to get started.

What’s the Difference Between a Catalytic Vs. Non-Catalytic Wood Stove? How Do I Know Which One To Choose?

The main difference between a catalytic and non-catalytic wood-burning appliance lies in how each type of stove handles the combustion process to increase efficiency and reduce emissions – essentially, whether or not the appliance requires a catalyst to reach a more thorough burn.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Catalytic Wood Stoves

• Burn Capabilities: A catalytic wood stove features a catalytic combustor, a device that helps burn the smoke and gases produced by the wood before they exit the chimney.
• Performance: This catalytic combustor allows the stove to burn wood at lower temperatures while still achieving high levels of efficiency. This means more of the wood’s energy is converted into heat, resulting in longer burn times and reduced wood consumption.
• Emissions: By burning the smoke and gases that would otherwise escape as pollutants, catalytic stoves produce fewer emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.

Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves

• Burn Capabilities: Non-catalytic stoves do not have a catalytic combustor to assist in burning off the combustion byproducts. This does not mean they release all the smoke and other toxins, though. In place of the catalytic combustor, non-catalytic wood stoves rely on a highly efficient airflow design to achieve secondary combustion. This involves the introduction of additional air into the combustion chamber to burn off the gases and smoke that would otherwise escape through the chimney.
• Simplicity: Non-catalytic stoves are generally simpler in design, with fewer components to maintain or replace. This also means that they are typically easier to operate and require less maintenance compared to catalytic stoves.
• Performance: While non-catalytic stoves are still efficient, they tend to be slightly less efficient when compared to their catalytic counterparts. Certain models also may have shorter burn times, meaning you might have to refuel more frequently to achieve your desired result.
• Emissions: Non-catalytic stoves produce more emissions than catalytic stoves, though modern designs are still much cleaner than older wood stoves, meeting stringent EPA standards.

As far as which one to choose, that will ultimately be up to you and your needs. Both kinds of wood stoves offer their own distinct advantages, it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for. Catalytic appliances are great options for those interested in achieving more heat production with high efficiency and little environmental impact, while non-catalytic wood stoves offer a simpler, lower maintenance alternative still with solid performance and efficiency.

With so many different options available, we understand how overwhelming shopping for a new hearth appliance can be. That’s why at D.J. Cross, we strive to be a go-to resource in the community for homeowners throughout Philadelphia and on the Main Line to get the information they need about all things hearth and chimney. If you’re interested in having a new wood stove installed, but have no idea where to start, give our experts a call and we’d be happy to assist you and help narrow your choices.

How Often Should I Clean My Wood Stove Chimney?

Just like every other flame-producing appliance, wood stoves should have their chimney professionally inspected and swept at least once a year. Wood stoves might be significantly less maintenance than their open-facing fireplace counterparts, but when it comes to routine, preventative services, all venting systems – regardless of specific appliance or fuel type – are recommended by industry leaders to be cleaned every year.

For Expert Wood Stove Installation, Repair & Maintenance, Call D.J. Cross

When it comes to wood stove installation, repair, and maintenance in the Philadelphia area, D.J. Cross stands out as the trusted choice. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-quality service that ensures your wood stove operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. In addition to years of training and working out in the field, the D.J. Cross crew is also certified by the best organizations in the industry such as CSIA and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), so you can trust that they know their stuff – no matter the job they’re performing for you. Whether you’re interested in enhancing both the warmth and ambience of your home with the addition of a new wood stove, or need expert maintenance to keep (or reestablish) your existing stove in peak condition, we are here to help.

We understand the unique benefits that a wood stove can bring to your home, and are committed to helping you enjoy those benefits to the fullest. From personalized consultations and precise installations to thorough repairs and regular maintenance, our comprehensive services are designed to meet all your wood stove needs. Don’t leave your home’s comfort and safety to chance – reach out to the team at D.J. Cross today for expert wood stove services near Philadelphia.

If you own a business or large property, D.J. Cross is the go-to company to call for commercial chimney services throughout Philadelphia and beyond.