Wood Stoves, Inserts and Outdoor Appliances

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are the most common space-heating appliances and can be installed almost anywhere in the house, provided there is enough clearance and proper routing of the chimney. 

It is important to seek expert advice when purchasing a new stove to ensure you have the right stove size and output. Wood stoves vary in their use of emission-reduction technology (catalytic or non-catalytic) and heat transfer (direct radiation, convection, or a combination). 

Fireplace Inserts

These are like wood stoves, but designed to be installed within the firebox of an existing masonry fireplace. A chimney liner is installed within the chimney to vent the insert’s emissions outdoors and improve performance and safety. 

Using an insert reduces the emissions produced compared to conventional fireplaces and, unlike conventional fireplaces, can effectively transfer heat to the house.

Pellet Burning Stoves and Inserts

Pellet burning stoves and inserts burn pellets made from compressed wood wastes that are fed automatically from a storage hopper into the combustion chamber. Pellet stoves need less maintenance than wood burning appliances, as one load of fuel can last 24 hours. They have some of the lowest emission ratings and are highly efficient heating appliances. Pellet stoves do require the use of electricity to operate, though some will run on batteries and not be affected by power outages.

Other space-heating wood-fuel appliances include high-efficiency fireplaces, masonry heaters and cook stoves.

Outdoor wood boilers, also sometimes known as outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters, are appliances that are installed  in sheds outside the home. They operate by heating water that runs through pipes to heat the home or building. They are used to heat multiple buildings, including homes, garages, outbuildings, greenhouses and dairy farms.

Until recently these appliances didn’t have to meet any emission standards and often caused significant smoke impacts in populated areas.

Other central heating wood appliances are wood or pellet burning furnaces that heat air and circulate it through ducts.

• Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers
• British Columbia’s Experience with and Plans for Outdoor Wood Boilers (PDF)

Outdoor Fireplaces and Chimineas

Outdoor fireplace and chiminea use is subject to the same rules as backyard burning, so check with your municipality or regional district prior to installing or using one.

These don’t have adequate chimney systems to vent the smoke into the air, so everyone breathes in more unhealthy smoke. They may be a nuisance and a health concern for you and your neighbours, especially for people with heart or lung problems. 

Never burn leaves, wet wood, treated wood, or garbage in them.