How Do You Operate Your Wood Stove?

If you heat your home with a wood stove, your real-world experience matters more than you might think.

Two leading scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory (New York) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (California) are conducting research to better understand how people actually operate their wood stoves in everyday life. This research is being used to help improve how wood stoves are tested—and ultimately how future regulations are shaped.

Why does this matter?

Current testing methods don’t always reflect how stoves are used in real homes. By gathering feedback directly from wood stove owners, researchers can develop more accurate testing standards, leading to:

• Better-performing stoves

• Fairer regulations

• Cleaner, more efficient wood heat

Your input helps ensure that future wood stove standards are based on real use, not just lab assumptions.

If you currently use a wood stove, we encourage you to take a few minutes to participate in this short survey. Your responses are anonymous, and this is a genuine research effort—not spam.

How to Choose the right Fireplace

How to Choose the Right Fireplace for Your Home (2026 Guide)

By A Fireplacestore – Hesperia, CA

Choosing the right fireplace for your home can feel overwhelming — especially with so many options, styles, and installation requirements. Whether you're building a new home, remodeling, or updating your heating system, this guide will help you understand what matters most so you can make the right choice.

At A Fireplacestore in Hesperia, our team has been helping homeowners since 2000. Our brand-new showroom at 9565 C Ave Unit H makes it easier than ever to see fireplaces in person, compare fuel types, and get expert guidance.

1. Choose Your Fuel Type

Wood Fireplaces

• Authentic fire experience

• Strong heat output

• Ideal for traditional styles

• Requires chimney or venting

• Hands-on maintenance and wood storage

Gas Fireplaces

• Instant heat

• Clean and efficient

• Low maintenance

• Works in most rooms

• Great for busy homeowners

Pellet Stoves

• Highly efficient

• Affordable long-term heating

• Burns clean

• Requires small vent pipe

• Provides steady heat output

2. Consider the Size of Your Space

The size of your room, ceiling height, insulation, and layout all impact what fireplace will work best. Oversizing a fireplace can overheat your space, while choosing a unit that’s too small won’t provide enough heat.

When you visit the showroom, our team can help determine the correct BTU range and unit size for your home.

3. Think About Style

Your fireplace should match the look and feel of your home. Today’s models offer a wide range of styles:

• Modern linear designs

• Traditional wood-burning looks

• Rustic freestanding stoves

• Corner and peninsula units

• Frameless and minimalist styles

Bring photos of your room when you visit, and we can narrow down the best design options quickly.

4. Understand Installation Requirements

Different fireplaces have different venting and framing needs:

• Wood: requires chimney or metal venting

• Gas: uses direct vent or power vent systems

• Pellet: uses a small 3–4 inch vent

• Electric: no venting required

We’ll walk you through clearances, wall structure, electrical needs, and installation costs so you know exactly what to expect.

5. Explore Specialty Fireplace Lines

Modern fireplaces aren’t limited to traditional categories. Two lines we carry stand out for homeowners wanting design flexibility and cutting-edge performance.

DaVinci Custom Fireplaces

DaVinci is known for ultra-modern, high-end custom installations. These units are ideal for luxury homes or unique architectural features.

Key advantages include:

• Custom lengths from 3 to 20+ feet

• Cool-touch glass

• Indoor/outdoor passthrough options

• Multi-view, single-sided, or corner configurations

• Beautiful, clean lines with modern flame appearance

• Perfect for contemporary homes or commercial spaces

If you're looking for a statement piece, DaVinci is unmatched.

FPX Electric Fireplaces

Fireplace Xtrordinair (FPX) also offers some of the best electric fireplaces on the market today.

Benefits of FPX electric units:

• No venting required

• Safe for apartments, bedrooms, and offices

• Realistic flame presentation

• Multiple ember bed and lighting options

• Easy installation with only standard power needed

• Great for homeowners who want ambiance without heat

These units are also perfect when traditional venting isn’t possible.

6. Look at Heating Efficiency

Fireplaces in 2025 are more efficient than ever. Gas and pellet units offer excellent performance, while wood gives unmatched heat if you have access to firewood. Electric units provide ambiance with optional heat and low energy usage.

7. Visit Our New Showroom

Fireplaces can look very different in person. The best way to make the right choice is to see them up close.

At our new Hesperia showroom, you can:

• Compare wood, gas, pellet, and electric units

• See working models

• Explore DaVinci and FPX options

• Ask questions about installation

• Get a quote designed specifically for your home

Our team has over 30 years of experience helping homeowners find the best heating solution for their style, budget, and needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right fireplace involves understanding fuel type, installation, efficiency, and style — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Visit A Fireplacestore at 9565 C Ave, Unit H, Hesperia, CA and let our experts guide you through the entire process. Whether you need wood, gas, pellet, electric, or a high-end custom solution like DaVinci, we have the experience and inventory to help you find the perfect match.

Save Up to $2,000 on a New Wood or Pellet Stove

If you're considering upgrading to a high-efficiency wood or pellet stove, now is the perfect time. Thanks to a federal tax credit, you can save 30% on the total cost — including purchase and installation — up to $2,000 per year. This incentive is part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, effective through December 31, 2025.

What Is the Tax Credit?

Under Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code, homeowners can claim a 30% tax credit on the purchase and installation of qualifying biomass heating systems. This includes wood stoves, pellet stoves, and biomass boilers that meet specific efficiency standards.

• Credit Amount: 30% of the total cost

• Annual Cap: Up to $2,000 per year

• Eligibility Period: Purchases made between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025

• No Lifetime Limit: You can claim the credit each year you make qualifying purchases

What Makes a Stove Eligible?

To qualify for the tax credit, the stove must:

• Have a thermal efficiency of at least 75% (measured by the Higher Heating Value, HHV)

• Be installed in your primary residence

• Be purchased and installed within the eligible dates

It's important to note that the stove must be EPA-certified and listed in the EPA database of certified wood heaters. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure eligibility.

What Costs Are Covered?

The tax credit applies to the full cost of the stove, including:

• The unit itself

• Installation labor

• Venting and chimney systems

• Other associated equipment

This comprehensive coverage can significantly reduce the upfront investment in a new heating system.

How to Claim the Credit

To claim the tax credit:

1. Complete IRS Form 5695: This form is used to report residential energy credits.

2. Attach to Your Tax Return: Submit the completed form with your annual tax filing.

3. Keep Documentation: Retain receipts and manufacturer certifications for your records.

It's advisable to consult with a tax professional to ensure you're maximizing your benefits and complying with all requirements.

Don't Wait — Act Before December 31, 2025

This tax credit is set to expire on December 31, 2025. If you've been considering a stove upgrade, now is the time to act. Not only will you enhance your home's comfort and efficiency, but you'll also benefit from significant financial savings.

Fireplace Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Fireplace Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Fireplaces and stoves are a great way to bring warmth and ambiance into your home, but they can also pose safety risks if not used correctly. At A Fireplace Store, we want to make sure you enjoy your heating appliances safely and efficiently. Here are some essential tips for keeping your home and family safe.

1. Keep Your Fireplace and Stove Clean

Regular maintenance is key to safe operation. Make sure to:

• Remove ashes regularly

• Inspect chimneys and vents for blockages

• Schedule professional cleanings at least once a year

2. Use the Right Fuel

Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your stove or fireplace. Using improper fuel can cause dangerous flare-ups or damage your appliance.

3. Install Safety Barriers

For wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, consider:

• Fireplace screens

• Heat-resistant doors

• Proper clearance from furniture and flammable materials

4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every home with a fireplace or stove should have:

• Smoke alarms near sleeping areas

• Carbon monoxide detectors on every floor

5. Supervise Open Flames

Never leave a fire unattended, especially if you have children or pets. Always make sure embers are fully extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.

6. Hire Professionals for Installation and Repairs

Improper installation or DIY repairs can be extremely dangerous. Trust certified professionals to install, maintain, and repair your heating systems safely.

7. Emergency Preparedness

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure everyone in your home knows basic fire safety procedures.

Conclusion:
A fireplace or stove can be a wonderful addition to any home when used correctly. Following these safety tips will help you enjoy warmth, ambiance, and peace of mind all year long.