That old stove’s just burning money

Herald staff

Modern wood and pellet stoves are much more efficient and safer than those manufactured before 1988, said Kirk Newby of the Northwest Hearth Products Association.

Although they are costly, he said the savings in fuel could make up for the purchase of an efficient device.

Here are some things consumers should know:

  • An efficient wood stove will start in the area of $750, Newby said. You can easily spend $1,200 for a gas stove and $1,400 for a wood-pellet burner.

  • In many cases, the hearth pad and chimney you have for an old stove can be used with a new one, Newby said. If for some reason the chimney doesn’t fit or you have to start from scratch, you may have to about double the cost of the wood stove to make things work.

  • Firewood fuel nowadays is expensive. A cord of wood, delivered, can easily run from $170 to $200 in urban areas.

  • If you’re looking for gas and aren’t sure if there’s a line nearby, telephone Puget Sound Energy at 888-321-7779. In many cases, even if a line doesn’t come into your neighborhood, you might be able to get neighbors together to sign up for gas.

  • Wood stoves should be cleaned. You can do it yourself with a wire brush down the chimney or call a chimney sweep. Also, clean ashes out of the stove.
    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

    Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

    Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

    Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

    Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
    Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

    The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

    x
    Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

    The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

    The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

    Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

    Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

    People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

    The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

    Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
    Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

    The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

    The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

    The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
    Northshore School District bond improvements underway

    The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

    Riley Boyd, 6, left, and sisters Vivienne Boyd, 3, ride a sled together down a hill at Anderson Center Field on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Snohomish County shouldn’t expect snow and cold to leave any time soon

    Residents can expect a reprieve from the snow until possibly this weekend. Colder than normal temperatures are expected to remain into next week.

    Modern DNA tech comes through again for Everett police in 1989 murder case

    Recent advances in forensic genealogy led to the suspect’s arrest in Clark County, Nevada.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.