Wood Burning Stoves – Decrease The Increase In Home Insurance

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Right now is a great time to install a wood burning stove in your home to help reduce the cost of heating your home over the winter. Instead of waiting for the cooler months to come, you can get great deals on the stove itself, have an easier time getting a chimney sweep hired and maybe even save on the cost of installation by adding the stove during the off-season.

One thing that many people don't realize is that the addition of a wood burning stove can increase homeowners insurance rates. This is because of the increased risk of house fires. However, there are some things that you can do during the installation process and after the stove is in place that will help keep your rate increases to a minimum. Here, you will learn those things.

During the Install

When the stove is installed, be sure to use the following guidelines.

1. Install the stove in front of a non-combustible wall. If the wall is not made of concrete, install a metal wall liner that is specially made for wood burning stoves.
2. Install the stove no less than 6-inches from the wall.
3. Use triple-wall piping to connect the wood burning stove to the chimney.
4. If the flooring is made of wood, install a layer of concrete blocks before installing the stove.
5. Install a quality chimney liner if your chimney is not in perfect condition. Chimney liners may be required for safety and efficiency for your wood burning stove to ensure that the ventilation and air flow are optimized for use.
6. Have the stove and equipment professionally installed.

During Use

Knowing how to safely and efficiently use your wood burning stove will make a huge difference in the experience you have over the next many years. If you don't use the stove properly, or know how to handle overheating or chimney fires, you will see rate increases after filing a claim to repair damages.

1. Only use hardwoods that have been seasoned for at least two years. Any moisture remaining in the wood that you are burning will cause creosote to build up in your chimney and increase the chances of chimney fires.
2. Have a fire alarm system installed professionally.
3. Prepare for overheating and fires by having several fire extinguishers, extinguishing logs and dry chemical bags on hand and know how to use each.
4. Have the stove and chimney cleaned and maintained regularly. Inquire with your insurance provider to learn if proof of services is required after you have the maintenance work completed. Some providers will void the discount if the system is not properly maintained.

Talk with your insurance agent like one from McHugh Insurance to learn of any more steps that must be taken to get the best possible rates for your homeowners insurance after the wood burning stove is installed.  

29 July 2015