Recently, we received a letter from a couple who wanted to share the enjoyment of their soapstone masonry heater. In addition to the “wonderful ambiance” provided by the charming warm glow, they wanted us (and other homeowners) to know just how much they saved on their heating costs in the notoriously chilly 2014 – 2015 winter season:
“We used the Sinatra heater exclusively to heat our new (2,000 sq. ft.) home for three years now… Last winter saw many days at -30 degrees. For the entire 2014 – 2015 winter season, we burned 12-face cords of wood for a total winter heating cost of $765.00.”
How can one masonry heater heat an entire home in -30 degree weather? It surely helps if that masonry heater is made from soapstone. The first difference is the type of heat stored and emitted by the fireplace. While traditional fireplaces are known to emit short-lived convection heat in close proximity, soapstone stores and releases heat slowly. The other thing that sets soapstone apart from traditional hearths is its efficiency. Soapstone’s thermal mass absorbs slowly and radiates the heat long after the fire has extinguished. In traditional fireplaces, much of the heat and energy is wasted by being almost immediately released through the chimney.
The particular model of soapstone heater is our Sinatra BakeOven Soapstone Wood Burning Stove, which boasts a 12 to 16 hour heat output per 3 to 4 hours of burn time. Another delightful feature of this masonry heater is its ability to help prepare your dinner!
“We both work full time and it’s also nice to come to a delicious crock pot dinner waiting in the Sinatra’s oven. We call it our slow cooker on steroids. We couldn’t be happier.”
Stay warm and save on your heating costs this winter with our Soapstone Wood Burning Stoves!