We’ve all dreamed of having our own fireplace on a number of occasions. Although wood stoves might conjure up images of a smoke-belching potbelly in a backwoods cabin, today’s models are efficient heaters that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission guidelines and reduce heating bills by nearly half when energy prices are high. Today I want to talk about the wood burning stove installation cost.
Installation Cost
The national average for gas fireplace installation is $1,918. A wood-burning fireplace installation costs between $842 and $3,050, on average. However, these figures vary greatly based on the fireplace type and installation considerations. It can get a little pricey depending on several factors.
Price in the UK
In terms of UK pricing, it can cost anything from £600-£300 to install a wood burner, but once again, the exact costs of installation will be as unique as the number of situations. Installations start from as little as £1,900 (incl. VAT) for a smaller stove, which includes lining the chimney. In general, basic wood burning stoves with heat outputs of 4kW to 10kW sell for between £500 and £1,500, although designer stoves can cost substantially more.
Fuel Source
A wood-burning fireplace uses logs as its main fuel source. Though you will not have to worry about installing a gas line or running up your electric bill, purchasing wood on a regular basis can become quite costly. A wood burning stove can be fed with logs, pellets and smokeless fuels. Although the price of wood fuel varies considerably, it is often cheaper than other heating options.
You must also clean the fireplace and chimney frequently to remove soot and debris. It can drastically lower your utility expenses.
If you would like to learn more about the cost of wood fuel, visit Wikipedia.
Factors to Consider
A high-quality wood stove can cost between $3,000 and $4,000. This includes the cost of the stovepipe, assembly and other basic installation expenses. According to Hetas, the industry regulatory body, at least 175,000 households are installing a wood burner each year, which is five times more than in 2007.
Depending on the power output and the amount of usage, a wood burning stove could consume around £50 to £150 worth of wood per year. Here are the most common factors to consider when purchasing a wood stove for your home.
| Consideration | Average Cost |
| Chimney/Stovepipe Installation | $28-$86 plus labor |
| Non-combustible Wall Covering | $9 plus labor |
| Base Installation | Material costs vary, plus labor |
Vented Vs. Unvented
With every fireplace or wood stove installation you need to choose whether your unit will be vented or unvented. Adding vents and ductwork can add a great deal to your fireplace or wood stove installation, but not every home or every unit needs venting. Another thing to bear in mind is that a wood burning stove could be a good investment, not just energy-wise, but because of their popularity it may add value to your home.
A woodburner is a great focal point in a room and will make your home stand out to potential purchasers.
Catalytic Vs. Non-catalytic Combustion
Standalone stoves are divided into two distinct categories, with each offering their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
| Wood Stove Type | Pros | Cons |
| Catalytic Combustion | Higher efficiency
Less debris |
More difficult to operate
Frequent replacement |
| Non-catalytic Combustion | Easy to use
Less maintenance |
More debris/cleaning required |
Potential Drawbacks
As with most things there are also downsides to using wood stoves. Many people find wood stoves attractive, but they lack the big, open hearth of traditional fireplaces while still requiring you to do the same wood chopping and stoking. Keep in mind that you would need multiple wood stoves in order to fully warm your home if there is too much space between the stove and the entire living area.
Since the stove doesn’t have any ventilation other than the pipe that sends out smoke to the outside, it’s not unusual to expect certain rooms to be colder than the rest. When in doubt, buy two of the best wood stove.
With average annual heating costs of $638, according to Energy Star, your yearly savings could range from $64 to $255.
Note: All types of fuel prices are constantly in flux and vary greatly from region to region.
Final Thoughts
Installing a fireplace or wood stove in your home can cut energy costs, improve the home’s resale value and keep your family comfy and cozy all winter long. Again, the average wood burning stove installation cost is roughly around $2,000 for the smaller stoves and up to $4,500 for the larger twin sized wood stoves. It’s highly recommended to consider all these things before making a purchase.