How do I determine the size of heater I need and where should I install it?
Before answering this question, it is very important that you clearly identify what your needs are. Some people will by a heater simply to enhance the ambiance of a room, while others will by a heater as their main source of heat. There is no good or bad reason for buying a wood-heat system. If you simply want to enhance the ambiance of a room, most small to medium size heaters will suit your needs. Simply chose the style you like best, and put the unit in the room where you spend the most time. The heat and look of a glowing fire will create an atmosphere of warmth and well-being.
If your primary need is heat, you must verify the heating capacity of your heater based on the technical data provided by the manufacturer. For instance, if you want to heat a 800 square foot area, you need to buy a heater with a minimum capacity of 800 sq. ft.
If you need to heat more that one floor, keep in mind that heat rises. Therefore, a heater located in your basement will help you heat the main floor as well. However, the contrary is not true; a heater located on the main floor (ground floor) will not heat the basement. Keep in mind also that the more divisions there are in the house, the harder it will be to distribute the heat evenly.
If you need to heat two floors, calculate the surface of the lower floor. Then, add 50% of the surface of the upper floor. For instance, if you install a wood-heat system in the basement and you have 800 sq.ft., you will need a heater with a minimum capacity of 1,200 sq.ft. (800 + 400 = 1,200).
If you need to heat more than two floors, calculate the surface of the lower floor (where the wood-heat system is located). Then, add 50% of the surface of the middle floor, and 25% of the surface of the upper floor. For instance, if you install a heater in the basement and you have 800 sq.ft., you will need a heater with a minimum capacity of 1,400 sq.ft. (800+400+200= 1,400). Consult drawing #1A. It will help you understand the explanations provided in this section.
PLEASE NOTE: We are talking about "zone" heating, not central heating. The room where the heater is located and the rooms directly above it will always reach higher temperatures than the rooms distant from the unit. If you want an even temperature throughout the house, you need to consider a central heating system, such as a wood furnace. Furthermore, you must keep in mind that the size of the stove you need may vary based in the insulation of your house, its exposition to wind, and the number of windows. It will always be prudent to buy a heater with a capacity that is slightly higher than the minimum capacity that you need. For instance, if you need a minimum capacity of 1,400 sq.ft., it will be more prudent to buy a heater with a capacity of 1,500 to 1,600 sq.ft.
Drawing #1 gives an example of the minimum heating capacity required for a wood-heat system installed in a house with three floors of 800 sq.ft. each. We assume that the house is well insulated and that air can circulate between each floor through an open stairway and/or floor traps.
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