Wood Stoves: Home Insurance Impact

Wood-burning stoves are a great way to heat your home, but they can also increase your home insurance costs. The presence of a wood-burning stove in your home could potentially lead to higher homeowners insurance premiums. This is because wood stoves carry a higher risk of fire damage compared to other heating methods. Insurance companies base homeowners insurance rates on several factors specific to each home, and they typically raise prices when the level of risk is higher.

Wood stoves increase insurance premiums

Wood-burning stoves are an attractive option for those seeking a cosy and cost-effective way to heat their homes. However, it is important to be aware that installing a wood stove will likely lead to higher insurance premiums. This is due to the increased risk of fire associated with wood stoves, which insurance companies factor into their calculations when determining policy costs.

Increased Fire Risk

The presence of a wood stove in your home increases the risk of fire damage. Wood-burning stoves involve direct flames, smoke, ash, and creosote/soot buildup, all of which elevate the chances of a fire occurring. The operational safety concerns of a wood stove are also greater than those of a gas or electric fireplace, as they require more steps to create a draft and manage kindling.

Creosote Accumulation

Another long-term risk posed by wood stoves is the accumulation of creosote, a highly flammable substance, in the chimney. Without proper maintenance, such as installing a steel liner, the risk of a chimney fire increases significantly. This is a critical factor in the insurance company's perspective, as they may view homes with wood stoves as higher-risk, leading to increased premiums.

Maintenance and Installation

Regular maintenance and correct installation are crucial when it comes to wood stoves. Insurance companies may discover that a wood stove hasn't been properly maintained or installed, which could affect your eligibility for claim reimbursement in the event of a fire. It is important to disclose the existence of a wood stove to your insurance provider, as failing to do so could result in a non-renewal of your policy or a denied claim.

Wood Stove Insurance Requirements

To ensure the safety of your home and compliance with local codes, wood stoves must be professionally installed and regularly inspected. A Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection is often required by insurance companies to verify correct installation, adherence to building codes, and safety. This inspection includes checking the stove's connection to the chimney, the presence of fire guards, and compliance with local fire codes.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

The impact of a wood stove on your insurance premiums can vary depending on the insurance company and the specifics of your policy. You can expect a premium increase of about 10% or a set amount of $100 or more. This increase is typically insignificant compared to the overall cost of insurance, and you may be able to lower it by choosing a higher deductible and confirming you are only paying for the features you need.

In conclusion, while wood stoves provide a charming and efficient heating option, they do come with increased insurance costs. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and consult with your insurance provider to understand how a wood stove may impact your specific policy.

Wood stoves require professional installation

Professional installation is important because a wood stove is unlike any other device in a modern home. It can achieve extremely high temperatures, with interior temperatures reaching over 1,000 degrees F. As such, it is crucial that a wood stove is treated with respect and installed correctly to ensure it does not pose any hazards.

The installation process must be undertaken properly and adhere to safety standards. This includes ensuring the stove has adequate clearance from any combustible surfaces, such as floors, walls or furniture. A professional installer will know the correct distance that must be maintained between the stove and combustible surfaces, as well as how to install the necessary shielding to reduce clearance where needed.

In addition, a professional will be able to safely connect the stove to the chimney, ensuring the correct type of chimney is used and that it meets all safety requirements. This includes having adequate capacity, the correct height, proper location, and proper mechanical support.

Another important aspect of professional installation is obtaining the necessary certifications and inspections to meet insurance requirements. A wood stove must be certified by a professional inspector to confirm it has been installed correctly and meets current building codes. This certification will not only make your stove safer but will also help insurers who are underwriting your policy.

Overall, while it may cost a bit of money, hiring a professional to install your wood stove is crucial to ensure the safety of your home and to meet the requirements of your insurance company.

Wood stoves need regular maintenance

Wood stoves are a great way to supplement your central heating system and add atmosphere to your home. However, they require regular maintenance to function efficiently and safely. Here are some tips to help you maintain your wood stove:

Ash Disposal

Improper ash disposal is a leading cause of stove-related house fires. Use a brush to collect ash in the ash pan and empty it before each fire and as needed. Dispose of the ashes in a fireproof ash bin, as they may contain embers for hours or days after the fire goes out.

Glass Cleaning

Some soot will inevitably accumulate on your stove glass. To remove it, moisten a crumpled sheet of newspaper with water, dip it in wood ash, and scrub the glass until the deposits are removed. Commercially available wood stove glass cleaning products are also an option, but scrubbing with wet newspaper and wood ash tends to work best.

Flue Maintenance

Keeping the flue system clean is the most important maintenance task for your wood stove. Smoke condenses inside the flue and forms creosote, a flammable tar-like substance. Regularly burning properly cured hardwood fuel will help minimise creosote buildup, as will maintaining a flue temperature above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of your fuel source, use a stovepipe thermometer to monitor flue temperatures and keep them in the ideal range.

Firewood Selection

Only burn dry, seasoned wood to avoid creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney fires. Avoid burning green, unseasoned wood, which can contain up to 50% moisture. Also, refrain from burning driftwood, trash, treated wood, artificial logs, or any product containing zinc, sulfur, lead, or plastics, as these can damage the catalytic combustion and release harmful gases.

Chimney Sweeping

Have your chimney inspected and swept at least once a year by a professional stove dealer or chimney sweep. They will check for cracks, leaks, warping, baffle gaps, and creosote buildup. Regular inspections are crucial for reducing the risk of chimney fires and identifying existing problems.

Safety Precautions

Always keep a fire extinguisher close by and easily accessible. Develop a fire escape plan and review it with your family. Never leave children unattended by a fire, and ensure they are educated about the dangers of high surface temperatures.

Wood stoves may require a WETT inspection

Wood stoves can be a great way to heat your home, but they do come with some risks. Wood-burning stoves are associated with an increased risk of fire, and insurance companies typically raise prices when there is a higher level of risk. Many insurance companies will require your wood stove to pass a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection before they will cover your home. This is because they want to verify that the stove is properly installed, meets building codes, and is safe to use.

A WETT inspection will include a check of the following:

• That the stove was correctly installed.
• That it meets building codes.
• That it is safe to use.
• The firebox will be checked for cracked firebricks or lining material. Cracked firebricks should be replaced to keep the firebox in good shape and prevent overheating, which can cause damage.
• The operation of the damper will be checked. Dampers are often seized or broken, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
• For masonry chimneys, any deteriorated or spalling masonry should be replaced, and flashings should be caulked as needed.
• Rain caps should be present to prevent water leakage inside chimneys and their liners.
• The flue pipes should be properly secured with three screws per pipe connection or equivalent pipe clamps installed as per the manufacturer's specifications. The pipe fittings should be oriented correctly, and the pipe should be sloped correctly.
• The damper operation, door gasket, and door glass should be checked for deterioration or cracking.
• Any heat shielding should be secured and in good condition.
• Wood storage and combustible materials should be kept at least 4 feet away from the wood stove in all directions at all times.

In addition to a WETT inspection, insurance companies may also require annual fireplace inspections to ensure ongoing safety. Common safety issues include buildups of soot or creosote, the lack of a glass or mesh screen to prevent sparks, the lack of a chimney cap to prevent animals from entering, and the lack of a carbon monoxide or smoke detector.

Wood stoves increase fire risk

Wood-burning stoves are a popular way to heat homes, especially in rural areas. However, they are not without their risks. Wood stoves are linked to thousands of house fires each year, and insurance companies may adjust rates accordingly. The presence of a wood stove in your home could lead to higher insurance premiums because they carry a higher risk of fire damage compared to other heating methods.

Wood stoves involve direct flame, producing smoke, ash, and creosote/soot buildup. These factors can significantly elevate the risk of fire. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that sticks to the inside of your chimney and is produced when wood gases are not completely burned. The buildup can cause a chimney fire. Wood stoves also require more steps to operate than a gas or electric fireplace, which can lead to risks like embers escaping onto the floor or smoke accumulation within the home.

The make and model of the wood stove and how it is connected to the chimney also play a significant role in the safety of a wood stove. Wood stoves should be installed and maintained correctly to reduce the risk of fire and extensive damage. Smoke can spread quickly throughout the house and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and chimney fires can rapidly escalate into whole-house fires.

To prevent fires from spreading, it is important to take certain safety precautions, such as keeping flammable items away from the fireplace and ensuring no drapes are hanging too close. It is also crucial to regularly clean and inspect your chimney to identify potential risks, such as cracks or creosote residue buildup.

In summary, wood stoves increase the risk of fire and can lead to higher insurance premiums. Proper installation, maintenance, and safety precautions are essential to reduce the risk of fire and extensive damage.

Frequently asked questions