FAQ

Are optional remote controls available for HearthStone gas products?

Remote controls are available for all our current models and most of our older models. Remotes are available that will turn the units on or off, as well as thermostatic remotes that allows you to set a specific temperature. You can maintain that temperature by placing the remote in a specific location anywhere in the room. In the Euro Collection models, remote controls are included. 

Can I burn coal?

No. Coal burns at extremely high temperatures that can damage your stove. Also, as coal burns it forms "clinkers" which will clog up the ash grate and fill the firebox. Coal emits sulfur compounds, which will permanently etch the ceramic glass.

Can I burn driftwood or artificial logs in my HearthStone woodstove?

No. Driftwood is extremely corrosive and should always be avoided. Artificial logs produce extremely high heat for short periods of time and are messy.

Can I burn pellets in my woodstove?

No. Pellet stoves are a forced draft appliance using blowers to inject air into the fire. They have a very unique burn system that is not available in a traditional woodstove.

Can I cook on this stove?

We don’t recommend cooking on your stove. If you do decide to, you want to be careful to place the pot on the stone and to lift it off - or use a trivet, or a soapstone tile. Sliding the pot around the top of your HearthStone stove will scratch the stone. Additionally, the stone will be stained by any food, liquid or grease that spills. You want to monitor your cooking carefully, as boiling could be a problem. The surface temperature of HearthStone stoves usually ranges from 300º-400º. This may not be hot enough to fry an egg quickly, but is certainly warm enough to cook soups, stews and a nice pot of hot apple cider.

Can I install a stove in my bedroom?

Most building codes allow woodstoves to be installed in bedrooms. Gas stoves are usually required to be Direct-Vent models. Most codes do not allow Vent-Free stoves over 10,000 BTUs to be installed in bedrooms. Check with your local building inspector for requirements and limitations in your area.

Can I install gas logs in my old woodstove?

No. Gas-fired stoves need much more air to burn properly than woodstoves. A woodstove is tested to burn properly and safely based on its specified purpose. Any modification, such as installing gas-fired logs, not only nullifies that listing, it may result in improper performance and possibly a very dangerous situation. The only time you can modify a stove in any manner is when it is according to the instructions for that particular model.

 

Can I order replacement parts directly from HearthStone?

Whenever possible we want your source for HearthStone parts and accessories to be the Authorized HearthStone Dealer from whom you purchased your stove. An Authorized Dealer is best qualified to determine exactly which part you need. An Authorized HearthStone dealer will use recommended approved replacement parts when repairing, or servicing your stove - this ensures your stove will operate properly, and maintains your warranty. In situations where it is not possible to order from the same authorized dealer where you purchased the stove, you can order parts through any of our more than 600 other Authorized HearthStone dealers.

Can I order stoves directly from HearthStone?

We do not sell our products, or parts, directly to consumers. Wood and gas-fired stoves are not "plug and play" items and therefore it is important to have an Authorized Dealer involved in the selling, servicing, and installing of your HearthStone stove. When installing your HearthStone stove, there are many things you need to consider, such as safety, local building codes, and local environmental considerations. An Authorized HearthStone Dealer, who can help you properly install your stove, is the best place for you to purchase your HearthStone stove.

Click here to find the dealer nearest you.

Can I put different stones in my HearthStone stove, if I choose to do so?

All currently sold HearthStone cast and stone woodstoves are sold with soapstone as the only option. The stone is an integral component of the stove, and only soapstone can withstand the temperatures achieved, and the thermal stress resulting when burning wood. The only HearthStone woodstove sold with interchangeable stone was the Starlet (no longer available). However, all HearthStone cast and stone gas-fired stoves are available in different stone varieties.

Can I visit your manufacturing facility in Vermont?

You are welcome to visit us any time. We are located in Morrisville, Vermont, on Stafford Avenue near the intersection of Routes 100 and 15 just 10 miles past Stowe. We are open Monday — Friday, 8:30 — 5:00 ET.

Do HearthStone stoves have catalytic combustors? (How does a non-catalytic combustor work? What are the advantages over catalytic?)

Since 1988, all woodstoves are required to pass very strict clean-air standards. In the early years, the only way we knew how to build stoves that would satisfy those standards was to add a catalytic combustor (similar to the catalytic converter in your car). As time went on, non-catalytic technology was developed that not only meets, but also surpasses the federal limits.

HearthStone stoves are non-catalytic; they have a series of secondary air tubes under the baffle in the top of the firebox. These tubes draw a precise amount of heated air, inject it into the fire and actually cause any particles, and gas in the smoke to burn. Consequently, while you enjoy the benefit of more heat out of less wood, your HearthStone stove is helping to keep our environment clean.

There is a lot of debate over the question "Which is better, catalytic or non-catalytic?" Both will produce clean, efficient burns. Our preference is non-catalytic for three main reasons:

1. A non-catalytic stove burns the same throughout its entire lifetime. Catalytic combustors need constant maintenance and replacement about every 5 years. While their initial emission numbers are a bit better than the non-cats, by the time that combustor wears out those numbers are far below. Non-catalytic stoves produce the same, consistant emission numbers over the lifetime of the stove without the maintenance and expense of replacement combustors.
2. A non-catalytic stove is easier to operate. There is one simple air control. If you want more heat, give it more air, if you want less heat give it less air. Catalytic stoves add a bypass damper that is used whenever the door is opened or new wood has been added to the fire. Flue gas and combustor temperatures must be monitored to know when it is appropriate to close the damper.
3. A non-catalytic stove produces a much prettier fire. Catalytic stoves tend to have a slow lazy burn. Non-cats tend to have a more active fire.

Do your gas stoves require (household) electricity to operate?

No. Our gas stoves have a thermopile built into the pilot light system that generates enough electricity (millivolts) to operate the stove and the wall thermostat. A blower for the stove will need electricity but you will find that HearthStone stoves heat very well without the blower. Also, there is no fear of damaging the stove if the blower is not used.

How can I find a HearthStone dealer near me?

Click here to use our Dealer Search tool.

How do I care for the finish of my stove?

HearthStone stoves requires very little maintenance. Once the break-in procedures have been followed, the only tip is to be careful of scratching. If you use a steamer on the top, be sure to lift it off; don’t slide it across the stone - you can also purchase a trivet, or soapstone tile from your local HearthStone dealer to place under the steamer. If something does spill on the stone, it will usually "cook" itself out over time as the stove is heated. Cast iron is also extremely low maintenance. Matte black stoves may need some touch up paint after a few years; enameled stoves will usually clean up with any window cleaner. Please remember that the enamel finish is like glass and can chip if it is hit. Porcelain touch up kits are available if necessary.

How do I childproof my stove?

Most children will feel the heat as they approach a stove and will stay away from the heat; however accidents can happen. If you are concerned, ask your HearthStone dealer about screen shields to protect your children from the stove.

How do I prevent smoke from entering the room when I open the door of my woodstove?

Open the the primary air control to its maximum setting, or open the door a crack, count to five, and then open the door slowly. This reduces the possibility of the door drawing the smoke into your room.

How long will a soapstone woodstove last?

With proper care and use, a soapstone stone will last a lifetime. Stone and cast iron are two of the most durable materials on earth. Each stove is designed to withstand the constant heating cycles associated with burning wood. Soapstone will age with use, including changes in hue that add to the beauty of the stove. Small fractures may appear on a stone's surface, or edges, but they generally do not affect performance or safety. Here are a few suggestions to ensure the life of your stove:

• Follow the break-in procedures outlined in your Owner’s Manual very carefully.
• Do not over-fire your stove. Make sure the ash pan door is closed during operation and the other door gaskets are in good shape.
• Do not burn coal, wood soaked in fuel, driftwood or treated wood.
• Do not burn liguid fuels, trash, coated paper, or plastic.

How much do your stoves weigh?

Generally our stoves are heavier. The additional stone mass improves the heating characteristics. Click on the Technical Specs link near the top right corner of the page when viewing the stove's main web page.

How would I become an Authorized HearthStone Dealer?

HearthStone is committed to the specialty retail store. Our success relies on dealers who are willing to learn what products are best for their customers, how to install them correctly and how to service them. If you are interested in becoming a HearthStone Dealer, email us at: inquiry@hearthstonestoves.com

I am having a problem with my HearthStone stove. Can you help me troubleshoot the problem?

There is a trouble-shooting guide in the back of your Owner’s Manual. If, after checking that guide you still need help, contact an Authorized HearthStone Dealer, preferably the one from whom you purchased your stove. This Authorized Dealership is the best source of information, as they will be most familiar with your installation.

I am using LP gas right now. What do I do if natural gas becomes available in my area?

There are gas conversion kits available for all HearthStone gas stoves and inserts except the Vent-Free stoves. The procedure is easy, but is best left to a professional. Contact your dealer, a licensed plumber, or a gas fitter. All current HearthStone gas stoves (except vent-free models) ship from the factory configured to burn natural gas, and include an LP conversion kit.

I heard that catalytic woodstoves are more efficient than non-cats.

The EPA labeled efficiency number was created during the early stages of certification development procedures; it is based on an ‘average’ stove, not your specific stove model. This efficiency number is not a good reference to base your stove purchase upon. We recommend making your decision on your heating needs: Do you want fast ‘on and off heat? (steel) Medium heat? (cast iron) Long, steady heat? (Soapstone).

I need an Owner's Manual for my HearthStone stove. Can I get one from you?

Note, manuals are available for the most recent model of each stove currently sold. Current product manuals are available for download in PDF format on each stove's own page, or can be acquired at an Authorized HearthStone Dealer. To receive an older product manual, send an email containing your mailing address, model, and serial number to: inquiry@hearthstonestoves.com

What are the advantages of a woodstove made of soapstone?

Soapstone stores more heat for its weight than any other naturally occurring material. It has twice the heat-storing capacity of iron and superior heat retention qualities not found in cast iron or steel. HearthStone soapstone stoves produce a lasting heat that warms the home steadily and evenly. As the fire burns, the soapstone absorbs massive amounts of heat, which continues to radiate for hours, long after the fire cools.

What are the EPA numbers all about?

Wood smoke is often full of unburnt wood particles and other by-products of combustion. Test labs can measure the amount of particulate in the smoke. Prior to 1988 when the government started regulating woodstoves, the best data available shows the average stove produced about 70-80 grams per hour of this particulate. By 1992 the EPA Phase II required all non-catalytic stoves to produce less than 7.4 grams per hour and 4.0 grams per hour if the stove used a catalytic combustor. Catalytic requirements are more stringent because the effectiveness of the catalytist degrades over its life expectancy; non-catalytic stoves have consistent emissions for the life of the stove. Consequently, the two stove types average out to be the same. Currently, all HearthStone stoves are non-catalytic and not only surpass the non-catalytic standards; they also surpass the standard for catalytic stoves. All HearthStone stoves test less than 4 grams particulate emissions per hour. Our Homestead model tested at an amazing 1.9 grams per hour - one of the cleanest burning woodstoves available.

What do I do if I crack a soapstone on my woodstove?

Most cracks that occur in soapstone are merely surface cracks on a natural vein line. The stone is 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) thick, and seldom cracks all the way through. Even if the stone does crack completely, it is rarely anything more than a cosmetic issue. It probably will not affect the use, safety or performance of your stove. Contact your Authorized HearthStone dealer if you need to have a stone replaced.

What is the HearthStone Warranty?

See your Owner's Manual, or contact a HearthStone Dealer for an explanation of HearthStone's Limited Lifetime Warranty. Note, stoves purchased before 9/2001 are covered under different warranty terms - see your original Owner’s Manual.

What type of wood should I be burning and how will it affect the performance of my stove?

Your HearthStone stove will perform best and last longer if you burn cordwood that has been cut, split and dried for 1-2 years. Never burn driftwood, painted wood, wood with nails in it or pressed particleboard. These woods contain chemicals that can damage your stove, chimney, as well as harm the environment.

There are several factors that impact your stove’s performance. Important factors are type of wood you burn, as well as whether or not the wood has been properly dried. Each species of wood has its own characteristics, yet all wood has roughly the same energy content. The different species vary only in density. Generally, we recommend using hard wood, such as oak or maple, but in many areas, these trees are not plentiful enough to burn. The most important thing is to use wood that is cut and split to the right size, and that the wood has been properly dried.

What's the deal with Vent-Free?

The concept of Vent-Free gas stoves has been available in Europe for years. When burned properly, gas stoves exhaust a combination of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Vent-Free stoves are designed to burn very efficiently so any amount of gases are well below the acceptable limits. There are some things you should consider before installing a Vent-Free stove:

Is there enough fresh air available in the room in which the Vent-Free stove will be installed? New homes are built with more insulation, vapor wraps and tight sealing windows; therefore, there is often no installed source for fresh infiltration air. Vent-Free appliances rely on fresh air being available.

What effect will the water vapor have on your room? A 40,000 BTU Vent-Free stove will produce about 1/2 gallon of water vapor an hour. If your room is damp to begin with, or if the stove is in a tightly sealed room with a lot of glass, that water vapor can become an issue. In severe cases, too much water vapor can cause mold and mildew in the walls. In mild cases, the excess moisture will cause the windows to fog, or frost up in cold weather.

Does anyone in your family suffer from allergies, asthma? Or is anyone sensitive to odors? The emissions from Vent-Free stoves are well below the acceptable amounts of various gases. However, people who are extremely sensitive can still be affected.

Vent-Free stoves are safe and effective when installed and used correctly. Check your local and state building codes, and with your insurance company before you install a vent free appliance. Please talk to your Authorized HearthStone Dealer about your installation before deciding if it is right for you.

 

Why doesn’t my new woodstove have a damper?

Since old stoves were not airtight the only way to control the stove was to add a damper in the pipe. New stoves are sealed so the primary air control is all you usually need to regulate the burn rate. However, very long chimneys can provide too much draft. You dealer can help you decided if you have excessive draft. If you have excessive draft, you may need to install a damper.

Why won't my chimney draft properly?

There are many factors that result in a stove not drafting properly. Stoves are normally installed "to code" which may mean they are safe, but the code does not mean it will perform properly.

A properly sized chimney is crucial to a stove’s performance. The old school of thinking said the bigger the chimney the better the draft. As stoves burn more and more efficiently, there is less heat going up the chimney. Consequently there may not be enough heat in an oversized chimney for the stove to burn correctly.

Smoke likes to travel straight up. Every elbow or offset creates a point of resistance that can cause trouble.

Chimneys that run up the outside of a home tend to be very cold. It takes a lot more heat to create draft in an outside chimney than a chimney that is installed on the inside of the home. Metal pre-fabricated chimneys on the outside of the house should be installed in an insulated chase.

Negative pressure in your home can cause a stove to not draft properly. As homes are built tighter in recent years, there is less air to replace air that is used in the combustion process. Basements usually have a lot of negative pressure, as the entire house above it acts as chimney for the warm air inside. Many kitchen exhaust fans now exceed 900 cubic feet per minute. Bathroom fans and clothes dryers also remove air from the home. Your stove can only function properly if there is a sufficient amount of fresh air available for it to burn.

Sometimes a stove that is drafting poorly is the result of a careless installation. The ceramic blanket on top of the baffle in the stove can be knocked out of place and block the flue. Many times rags are stuffed in the chimney to prevent cold air from entering the home during the installation and someone forgets to remove that rag when the stove in finally installed. The chimney may also need cleaning, or maintenance - over time ceramic liners will crack, and possibly partially block the flue, or allow other air into the chimney. A stove should not share a flue with another appliance, as they will compete for available draft. Check to make sure your clean-out door (if applicable) is closed, and seals tightly.

Finally, external factors such as the design of the roof, nearby trees, wind patterns and the location of the home can have an effect. Your local Authorized HearthStone Dealer is an expert in understanding these factors and their effects on a stove’s performance. Your HearthStone Dealer should be consulted regarding these issues when you purchase your stove.

Will I need to clean the door glass, or does it stay clean by itself?

Gas-fired stove: You should clean the glass on your door at least once a year. The quality of the gas used can determine how frequently you may need to clean the glass. Always ensure a code compliant sediment trap is installed in the gas line supplying the stove - this will help your stove burn cleanly, and problem free.

Woodstove: An air-wash system is built into every HearthStone stove. This system prevents the door glass from fogging or discoloring, making the large windows virtually "self-cleaning" to maximize your view of the gently flickering flames. Slow fires, 'green' or very resinous wood, and improper fuels can cause some darkening, or sooting of the glass. A high/hot fire at least once a day will keep the glass clean.