UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
According to the National Fire Protection Association, using wood-burning devices is one of the leading causes of home fires. This article discusses the safety measures homeowners should take when using a wood burner and how they can protect their property with wood burner insurance.
How to use a wood-burning stove safely
Wood-burning stoves are a great way to provide home heating. However, if you don’t use it properly, it can be dangerous.
To ensure that you’re using your stove correctly, here are some wood stove safety tips:
- Make sure that the furnace is in a well-ventilated area.
- Never use the stove without proper ventilation.
- Always keep children and pets away from the stove.
- Keep the stove doors closed while it’s in use.
- Put out embers and ashes after use so they don’t cause a house fire.
- Keep the stove clean and free of obstructions – ensure that there are no combustible materials nearby.
- Clean the flue regularly to avoid buildups of soot and other debris.
- Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
To keep your stove in good working order, you should inspect it annually and replace the chimney cap every three years.
Why would my home insurance cost more if I have a wood-burning stove?
The cost of home insurance largely depends on the stove you have in your house. Wood-burning stoves are more expensive than gas ovens, so people with wood-burning stoves typically have to pay higher rates for home insurance.
Wood-burning stoves aren’t as safe as gas ovens, producing more ash and soot. This means that homeowners with wood-burning stoves are at a higher risk of having an accident like a chimney fire or a house fire due to increased creosote buildup in their homes. These risks mean homeowners with wood-burning stoves will typically have to pay higher rates for home insurance.
Wood-burning stove insurance requirements
Wood stoves are a great way to stay warm in the winter. They are a great heat source and can also be used for cooking. However, they aren’t without risk of fire. Wood stoves require insurance coverage to protect against damage from fire and other disasters.
Home insurance company requirements to cover wood stoves vary by state, but some general rules apply. To get a wood stove insured, you need insurance covering fires, property damage, theft, explosions, or accidents.
Adherence to local fire codes
When installing a wood-burning stove, you must adhere to local fire and building codes. This is different from a scenario where we’d recommend a DIY approach – instead, consider hiring a professional to install your stove.
Licensed contractors
A Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT certificate) inspection is a thorough inspection of your wood-burning appliance by a WETT-certified professional. Some insurance companies may only insure an older home with a professional doing a review first and providing recommendations to increase fire safety. They may only insure your home with professional installation of the wood-burning appliance.
EPA regulations
The EPA now has strict regulations for wood-burning stoves. Wood stoves must be certified by the EPA and have a label that says “EPA Certified.” The standards govern the manufacture and sale of new residential wood heating devices. Still, they don’t apply to wood stoves and other wood heaters previously installed in peoples’ homes. Therefore, you may be exempt if you’ve had a wood stove for many years.
Insurance companies that cover wood stoves
Most large home insurance carriers cover wood stoves. However, they must meet the pre-defined requirements discussed above.
In some cases, your home insurance company might send an inspector out to make sure the stove meets the requirements. You might also need to send pictures of the stove to the company.
FAQs
Does having a log burner increase home insurance?
A log burner in your home can potentially increase your home insurance premiums. While log burners provide a cozy and efficient heat source, they also pose additional risks, such as an increased risk of fire, that insurers consider.
Does a wood-burning stove affect insurance?
Homeowners should be cognizant of the necessity to demonstrate that their wood-burning stove conforms to the relevant fire codes and EPA regulations. They may need an inspection by a WETT-certified professional to obtain insurance coverage. To secure insurance for your wood-burning stove, you may be obligated to provide coverage for fire, explosions, theft, accidents, and property damage.
Does installing a wood stove increase home insurance?
Installing a wood stove can affect your home insurance rates. Some insurance companies will increase the price of your policy if you install a wood stove because it’s an added risk. Others will not increase the cost of your policy but may charge a higher premium for the coverage.
How does home insurance work with fire?
Having a wood-burning stove does carry a risk of causing a fire. If your wood-burning stove does cause a fire, here are the steps you should follow with your insurance company. File your insurance claim as soon as possible; some policies have a certain number of days you have to file a claim after a fire.
Please note any personal property that’s damaged and notify the insurance company. The insurance company will then send out an adjuster to review the damage and report back to the insurers to process the claim.
Does having a gas fireplace increase your insurance?
A fireplace on your property may impact your home insurance policy; the effect on your premiums will depend on the type of fireplace and your insurance provider. A gas-burning fireplace is considered less risky than a wood-burning stove, so they are generally cheaper to insure.
Is a pellet stove considered a wood-burning stove?
A pellet stove is a different type of wood-burning stove. Unlike a traditional wood-burning stove, it burns pellets made from compressed sawdust or recycled wood waste, which are sometimes mixed with other biomass fuels. It’s important to remember that firewood for a traditional wood-burning stove can be kept outdoors, both covered and uncovered. To remain dry, a bag of wood pellets must be stored in a sheltered area, such as a shed.
What is the difference between a wood-burning stove and a fireplace?
A wood-burning stove is a device that burns wood or other solid fuel to provide heating, typically in a domestic setting. The stove has an insulated chimney that channels the combustion products up and out of the building.
A fireplace is a structure made of brick, stone, or other rigid material and designed to contain firewood, coal, and embers for heating a room. Modern wood-burning stoves are EPA regulated and more efficient at heating a room than a fireplace.
How does home insurance work if there is a gas leak?
A standard homeowners insurance policy will usually provide coverage for explosions caused by a gas leak. However, there are some scenarios where a standard homeowners insurance policy won’t cover a gas leak. Common causes of gas leaks include an appliance that has not been correctly maintained, a slow leak that’s causing damage to other appliances, or incorrect installation.
How do I find out if my home insurance covers a wood-burning stove?
Most insurance companies will cover wood-burning stoves as long as they meet the minimum safety requirements. When you inform your insurance company of your wood-burning stove, they might request that a WETT-certified inspector carries out an inspection.
What is the cost of home insurance with a wood-burning stove?
Home insurance companies can add up to 10% to your homeowners policy premiums for a wood stove or charge a flat fee annually instead. The exact amount it costs to cover a wood-burning stove can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy.
How to get home insurance with a wood-burning stove
If you’re looking for a home insurance policy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Your property value is an essential factor, as well as what type of coverage you need. Consider how much deductible you want to pay upfront and what deductibles will be covered by your insurer.
Wood-burning stoves are a great way to save money on heating bills, but they can also be a safety hazard. If you’re considering buying one, ensure you’re prepared with the right homeowners insurance.
To get the best deal on your home insurance premiums, you should research before committing to anything. Complete our online request form to see rates in your area and be connected with a licensed agent
