Tips for Buying Wood and Pellet Stoves in MA and RI

31 January 2013      

Trying to cut down on heating costs by buying a wood stove or pellet stove is an attractive option. However, be sure you are buying one that's been tested for MA and RI first.
 
As the temperatures drop many of us turn to alternative heat sources.

"It may not be built to handle the heat that you are putting into it, and God forbid it could start a fire," said Barbara Vallente from Fireplace Showcase.

A lot of consumers are buying products from out-of-state vendors on the Internet, but what you may not know is that certain models may not be approved appliances. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, wood stoves must have a UL approval number of 1482, and pellet stoves should have an Americans Standard testing method number 1509 on it. These numbers can usually be found in the owner's manual.

Those two numbers mean that the products have been put through stringent testing to make sure they're safe to operate in your home. In order to install a wood or pellet stove you must get a permit, and city and town building inspectors require the appliance have an approval number.

"It guarantees the safety of the product, and also that your insurance company will cover you," Vallente added.

If an unapproved pellet or wood stove causes property damage, chances are your homeowner's insurance will not cover your losses. Be sure to purchase yours from a reputable company that knows the law, and can put you in touch with professionals who know what they're doing.

For information on wood and pellet stoves that are appropriate for MA and RI, contact The Fireplace Showcase.

WPRI.com