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

    Darryl Dyck file photo Mohammed Asif, an Indian national, conspired with others to bill Medicare for COVID-19 and other respiratory tests that hadn’t been ordered or performed, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release.
    Man sentenced to 2 years in prison for $1 million health care fraud scheme

    Mohammed Asif, 35, owned an Everett-based testing laboratory and billed Medicare for COVID-19 tests that patients never received.

    Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 and Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue responded to a two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 2 on Feb. 21, 2024, in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Fire District #4)
    Family of Monroe woman killed in U.S. 2 crash sues WSDOT for $50 million

    The wrongful death lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Nov. 24 alleges the agency’s negligence led to Tu Lam’s death.

    Judy Tuohy, the executive director of the Schack Art Center, in 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Director of Everett’s Schack Art Center announces retirement

    Judy Tuohy, also a city council member, will step down from the executive director role next year after 32 years in the position.

    Human trafficking probe nets arrest of Calif. man, rescue of 17-year-old girl

    The investigation by multiple agencies culminated with the arrest of a California man in Snohomish County.

    A Flock Safety camera on the corner of 64th Avenue West and 196th Street Southwest on Oct. 28, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett seeks SnoCo judgment that Flock footage is not public record

    The filing comes after a Skagit County judge ruled Flock footage is subject to records requests. That ruling is under appeal.

    Information panels on display as a part of the national exhibit being showcased at Edmonds College on Nov. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Edmonds College hosts new climate change and community resilience exhibit

    Through Jan. 21, visit the school library in Lynnwood to learn about how climate change is affecting weather patterns and landscapes and how communities are adapting.

    Lynnwood City Council members gather for a meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Lynnwood raises property, utility taxes amid budget shortfall

    The council approved a 24% property tax increase, lower than the 53% it was allowed to enact without voter approval.

    Lynnwood
    Lynnwood hygiene center requires community support to remain open

    The Jean Kim Foundation needs to raise $500,000 by the end of the year. The center provides showers to people experiencing homelessness.

    Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
    Vending machines offer hope in Snohomish County in time for the holidays.

    Mariners’ radio announcer Rick Rizzs will help launch a Light The World Giving Machine Tuesday in Lynnwood. A second will be available in Arlington on Dec. 13.

    UW student from Mukilteo receives Rhodes Scholarship

    Shubham Bansal, who grew up in Mukilteo, is the first UW student to receive the prestigous scholarship since 2012.

    Roger Sharp looks over memorabilia from the USS Belknap in his home in Marysville on Nov. 14, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
    ‘A gigantic inferno’: 50 years later, Marysville vet recalls warship collision

    The USS Belknap ran into the USS John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1975. The ensuing events were unforgettable.

    Floodwater from the Snohomish River partially covers a flood water sign along Lincoln Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Photo gallery: Images from the flooding in Snohomish County.

    Our photographers have spent this week documenting the flooding in… Continue reading

    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.