What is the difference between a wood-burning stove and a gas stove?

Wood-burning stoves deliver traditional ambiance, the crackle of real fire, and reliable heat during power outages. They require firewood storage, kindling, regular ash removal, and annual chimney sweeping. Gas stoves offer instant thermostat-controlled heat at the flip of a switch — no wood handling, no ash, and minimal day-to-day maintenance; they run on natural gas or propane. For efficiency, modern EPA-certified wood stoves reach 70–80%, while direct-vent gas stoves often exceed 75% and offer more precise output control. For operating cost, wood is typically cheaper per BTU with access to seasoned cordwood; gas is more predictable and lower-effort. Blackburns walks homeowners through both options during an in-home consultation and recommends the best fit for the home, fuel availability, and lifestyle.

How much does heating stove installation cost?

Total project cost depends on the stove chosen plus the venting and site work required. Components typically included in a project are: the stove itself (entry-level models start at the lower end of the market, while premium cast-iron and soapstone stoves are a higher investment); venting and chimney work (new Class A chimney runs, stainless steel liners, or direct-vent pipe kits each carry different material and labor costs); hearth pad and clearances (non-combustible floor protection and wall shielding required to meet code); gas line or electrical (gas stoves need a fuel line, and some models require a 110V outlet for blowers or controls); and permits and inspection (included in the quote with no surprises). Blackburns provides a transparent, itemized quote after an in-home assessment.

Resources Service Area

Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm · Closed Sat & Sun

614-344-7750

Adobe Stock image of a cast iron wood stove.

COLUMBUS, OH · SINCE 1986

Heating Stove Installation for Columbus & More

Q: Are heating stoves safe?

Yes — modern heating stoves are very safe when properly installed, maintained, and operated. Safety relies on several layers: EPA-certified appliances that burn cleaner and hotter, reducing creosote and emissions; code-compliant clearances from combustible walls, floors, and ceilings verified during installation; proper venting sized to the stove and inspected for draft, joints, and termination height; carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every level of the home especially near sleeping areas; and annual inspections and sweeping to remove creosote, check gaskets and door seals, and catch wear before it becomes a hazard. Blackburns technicians follow NFPA 211 and all local building codes so every stove operates safely from day one.

Q: How often does a heating stove need maintenance?

Every stove benefits from a yearly professional check-up, with frequency depending on stove type and usage. Wood-burning stoves should be swept and inspected annually — more often if you burn more than a cord of wood per season or notice glazed creosote. Gas stoves need yearly inspection of the burner, pilot, thermocouple, venting, and glass gaskets. Pellet stoves require cleaning of the burn pot, ash pan, and exhaust pathway every few weeks during heavy use, plus an annual professional service. For day-to-day care: empty ash regularly, check door gaskets, keep the glass clean, and burn only seasoned hardwood under 20% moisture content in wood stoves.

Blackburns Chimney Services sells and installs premium heating stoves–wood-burning and gas–designed for safety, efficiency, and years of dependable performance. Expert installation ensures your stove operates at peak performance.

WOOD VS. GAS

What's Better for Me? Gas Stoves vs. Wood Stoves

Choosing between a gas stove and a wood stove is a big decision. Both deliver powerful, room-filling warmth and serve as a striking focal point...but they differ in how they run, what they cost to operate, and how much hands-on work they require.

Here's how gas and wood stoves compare across the factors that matter most:

◆ Convenience & maintenance: Gas turns on with a switch or remote and produces no ash, while wood requires loading, kindling, and regular ash removal.
◆ Fuel cost & availability: Cordwood is often cheaper per BTU if you have access to seasoned hardwood, while natural gas and propane offer predictable monthly costs.
◆ Ambiance: Wood gives you a real flame, crackle, and aroma, while gas provides a clean, consistent fire view without the smoke or smell.
◆ Venting requirements: Wood stoves need a Class A chimney or lined masonry flue, while direct-vent gas models can vent horizontally through an exterior wall.
◆ Lifestyle fit: wood rewards homeowners who enjoy the ritual of building a fire, while gas suits busy households that want instant, low-effort warmth

Blackburns helps homeowners weigh all of the factors during an in-home consultation, then expertly installs both gas and wood stoves to manufacturer specs and local code.

WHAT A QUALITY STOVE PROVIDES

What Are the Benefits Heating With a Stove?

The right stove transforms your living space and heating strategy. Beyond the warmth, a well-installed stove delivers benefits that improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and add lasting value to your home.

Zone Heating & Energy Savings

Heat the rooms you use most, reducing reliance on central heating and lowering utility bills.

Reliable Backup Heat

A wood-burning stove works when the power goes out, providing dependable warmth during outages.

Design & Ambiance

Modern stoves are available in styles from classic to contemporary, enhancing any room's aesthetic.

Long-Term Performance

Quality stoves built to last, with proper maintenance and inspection keeping them running for decades.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Heating Stoves: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a chimney for a heating stove?

Every heating stove needs a safe path for combustion byproducts to exit your home, but the venting requirements depend on the stove type:

Wood-burning stoves require a Class A insulated chimney or a properly lined existing masonry chimney sized to the stove's flue collar. Improper sizing causes draft problems and creosote buildup.
Direct-vent gas stoves can vent horizontally through an exterior wall using a coaxial pipe – no traditional chimney required. This opens up installation in rooms without existing flues.
B-vent and pellet stoves have their own specific venting rules, with shorter clearance requirements than wood stoves.
Existing chimneys are inspected before reuse to confirm condition, sizing, and the need for a stainless-steel liner.

During your in-home consultation we evaluate your space, identify the safest venting route, and provide a clear plan that meets local code.

How much does a heating stove installation cost?

Total project cost depends on the stove you choose plus the venting and site work needed. A typical project includes several components:

The stove itself: Entry-level models start around the lower end of the market, while premium cast-iron and soapstone stoves are a higher investment.
Venting and chimney work: New Class A chimney runs, stainless-steel liners, or direct-vent pipe kits each carry different material and labor costs.
Hearth pad and clearances: Non-combustible floor protection and wall shielding may be required to meet code.
Gas line or electrical: Gas stoves need a fuel line, and some models require a 110V outlet for blowers or controls.
Permits and inspection: These are included in our quote so there are no surprises.

After a brief in-home assessment, we provide a transparent, itemized quote so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Are heating stoves safe?

Yes – modern heating stoves are extremely safe when properly installed, maintained, and operated. Safety comes from layering several protections:

EPA-certified appliances burn cleaner and hotter, reducing creosote and emissions.
Code-compliant clearances from combustible walls, floors, and ceilings – verified during installation.
Proper venting sized to the stove and inspected for draft, joints, and termination height.
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas.
Annual inspections and sweeping to remove creosote, check gaskets and door seals, and catch wear before it becomes a hazard.

Our technicians follow NFPA 211 and all local building codes so your stove operates safely from day one.

How often does a heating stove need maintenance?

Maintenance frequency depends on stove type and how often you use it, but every stove benefits from a yearly check-up:

Wood-burning stoves should be swept and inspected annually – and more often if you burn more than a cord of wood per season or notice glaze creosote.
Gas stoves need yearly inspection of the burner, pilot, thermocouple, venting, and glass gaskets to maintain safe operation and efficiency.
Pellet stoves require regular cleaning of the burn pot, ash pan, and exhaust pathway – typically every few weeks during heavy use, plus an annual professional service.
Daily/weekly user care: empty ash, check door gaskets, keep the glass clean, and burn only seasoned hardwood (under 20% moisture) in wood stoves.

We offer scheduled maintenance plans so your stove stays safe, efficient, and ready for every heating season.

WHY CHOOSE US

Why Blackburns?

Camera-Assisted Inspections

We use specialized video cameras to examine the full flue - spotting cracks, blockages, and wear that a surface check would miss.

Early Damage Detection

We work hard to spot minor cracks and small leaks early, helping you avoid the expensive repairs that follow undiagnosed water damage.

Certified Technicians

Every technician follows nationally recognized standards from industry-leading training organizations.

Real Estate Inspections

We provide the in-depth level 2 inspections that are required when buying or selling a home, ensuring nothing is missed during your transaction.

Honest, Transparent Reports

After every visit, expect a plain-language explanation and photo or video documentation of what we found.

Family-Owned, Columbus-Focused

We've been family-owned and locally-operated since 1986, serving Franklin and Licking Counties.

Since 1997, we have trusted and relied on Blackburns Chimney Services to install, inspect, and safely maintain our wood burning stoves. We recently purchased from Blackburns a new Rockwood Jotul Stove. Blackburns' technicians did a great job setting up the new Rockwood, making sure it will be a safe and reliable wood burner for years to come. Thank you Blackburns!

David A.

Google

"The team that arrived at my house were friendly and respectful. They even took the time to give my dogs some attention. They were very knowledgeable and gave me advice on how to prolong the life of my wood burning stove."

Shrek C.

Google

"We are so pleased with our new wood stove insert. Blackburns did amazing job from setting up appointments to install."

Sandra S.

Google

"Scheduling is super easy, prices are competitive, and there was no pressure - we decided to have work done in batches over a few months."

Steve S.

Google

WHERE WE WORK

Proudly Serving the Columbus Metro Area

Blackburns works with homeowners across Franklin and Licking Counties - from historic Columbus neighborhoods to growing communities in New Albany, Westerville, Pataskala, and beyond.

Columbus

New Albany

Gahanna

Westerville

Pickerington

Pataskala

Reynoldsburg

Blacklick

Canal Winchester

Grove City

Dublin

Hilliard

Powell

Lewis Center

Bexley

Worthington

Upper Arlington

Delaware

4644 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43220

614-344-7750

Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm · Closed Sat & Sun

FROM OUR RESOURCES

Helpful Guides for Columbus Homeowners

"Top 10 Reasons To Choose Blackburns Chimney Service for Chimney Inspections in New Albany, OH"

Discover why New Albany homeowners trust our camera-assisted chimney inspections.

"Top 3 Reasons To Choose Blackburns Chimney Services for Chimney Sweeping in Pickerington, OH"

Expertise, a mess-free experience, and honest communication - here's what sets our sweeps apart.

"Who Should I Hire for a Chimney Inspection in Pataskala?"

Thorough, camera-assisted chimney inspections tailored to Pataskala homes and weather.

"Who Should You Call for Chimney Sweeping in Pickerington, OH?"

Certified technicians, trusted since 1986 - here's why Pickerington calls Blackburns.

More Resources

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to Upgrade Your Home's Heating?

Schedule a consultation to explore heating stove options for your home. Our team serves Columbus and the surrounding area Monday through Friday.

Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm · Closed Sat & Sun

614-344-7750

What type of installation are you looking for? We can build a new fireplace, install an insert, or get your perfect stove set up.