Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a New Wood Stove

If you’re in the market for a new wood stove, you may be considering a Pleasant Hearth brand model. Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are known for their beautiful classic designs, energy efficiency, and quality construction. But with so many options and features to consider, it can be tricky to choose the right stove for your needs.

This complete buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing a Pleasant Hearth wood stove. We’ll cover topics like how they work, key features, costs, sizing, installation, and more. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove?

Pleasant Hearth is a brand of wood stoves and fireplaces manufactured by Innovative Hearth Products based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The company has been making stoves since 1980 and offers a wide range of models from traditional to modern.

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves feature heavy steel construction and air-tight designs. Many models have porcelain enamel finishes and intricate cast iron door overlays. The stoves burn cordwood and are designed for heating efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Some key features found in Pleasant Hearth wood stoves include:

• Large firebox capacities
• Single or double glass doors
• Adjustable air control
• Blower kits for improved heat circulation
• Mobile home approved models
• EPA certified for emissions standards
• Available in a range of sizes and styles

Where to Buy a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove

You can purchase a Pleasant Hearth wood stove from several retailers:

• Local hearth stores or chimney sweeps: Benefit from expert advice on finding the right model.
• Home improvement stores: Lowes and Home Depot typically stock a selection of Pleasant Hearth stoves.
• Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Overstock, Wayfair, and others sell Pleasant Hearth models online.
• Direct from the manufacturer: Order directly from PleasantHearth.com but limited model availability.

When comparing retailers, look for the best price, widest model selection, and consider things like shipping costs, return policies, and availability of professional installation. Be sure to work with an experienced retailer who can guide you in finding the correctly sized stove for your space.

How Does a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove Work?

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are fairly straightforward in their operation. Here are the basic steps for how they work:

1. Wood fuel (split cordwood) is loaded into the firebox and ignited.
2. Air enters below the firebox and is heated. Some stoves feature tubes that route heated air around the firebox before exiting top vents.
3. Adjustable air intakes control the burn rate, flame intensity and heat output.
4. The heated air rises and circulates through the room via natural convection or with the help of a blower fan kit.
5. Smoke exits through the chimney after combusting the wood fuel in the firebox.
6. The process repeats as more wood is added to the firebox, producing a clean-burning and efficient heat source.

Maintenance involves removing ashes from the firebox and keeping the glass doors clean. Burn only seasoned hardwoods for the best performance.

Key Benefits of Using a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves offer some great benefits that make them a worthy investment:

• Powerful heating capacity – Models range from 30,000 – 85,000 BTUs to heat spaces from 500 – 2,000+ square feet.
• High efficiency – Advanced combustion design means more heat output from less wood. EPA certified models are 75-80% efficient on average.
• Cost savings – Wood as a fuel can be much cheaper than electricity or propane for heating.
• Self-sufficient heating – Provides reliable heat during power outages.
• Eco-friendly – Burns a renewable fuel source and low-emission with EPA certification.
• Attractive aesthetics – Cast iron and porcelain enamel finish provide a beautiful hearth centerpiece.
• Durability – Heavy duty steel construction built to last for decades.

For those in rural areas or anyone wanting an emergency backup heat source, a Pleasant Hearth wood stove offers independence, savings, and reliability that makes it worth the investment.

What’s the Cost of a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove?

The price of a Pleasant Hearth wood stove can range anywhere from $500 on the very low end to $2,500+ for larger deluxe models. The average cost is around $1,000 – $1,500.

Factors that influence the price include:

• Size and heating capacity
• Single vs double glass doors
• Basic vs premium style and finishing
• Accessories like blower fans or specialty handles
• Additional EPA certified models command a higher price

Be prepared to spend $1,500 – $2,000 for a high quality Pleasant Hearth wood stove suitable for heating a medium to large sized home.

It’s a significant investment upfront, but one that can pay off in the long run through lower heating bills and reduced fossil fuel usage. Maintenance costs are also low if the stove is properly cared for.

What Sizes Are Available?

One major consideration when selecting a Pleasant Hearth wood stove is choosing the right size for your space.

Pleasant Hearth offers a range of models with different firebox capacities:

• Small: 1.3 – 2 cubic ft firebox for heating spaces up to 1,200 sq ft
• Medium: 2 – 2.7 cubic ft firebox for heating up to 1,600 sq ft
• Large: 2.7 – 3.5 cubic ft firebox for spaces up to 2,000+ sq ft

In terms of physical dimensions, the stoves range from:

• 20 – 25 inches wide
• 20 – 33 inches deep
• 26 – 34 inches high

The smallest stoves can fit neatly into a cozy cottage. The largest models are better suited for expansive great rooms and open floor plans.

Consider your room size, layout, and heat loss calculations when choosing a firebox size. Too small and the stove will struggle to heat the space. Too large and you’ll be wasting money and wood.

How Do You Install a Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove?

Proper installation is key to getting the best performance and safety from your Pleasant Hearth wood stove.

Here are some general guidelines on installing a wood stove:

• Select an interior wall location with adequate clearance from combustibles. Usually 18-36 inches minimum distance.
• Protect the floor underneath with an insulated hearth pad.
• The stovepipe or chimney connector must vent outside through a Class A chimney that extends above the roofline.
• Follow all clearance specifications in the manual for wall, ceiling, and combustible material distances.
• Use any included shields to provide added protection around the stove.
• Mobile home approved models have additional installation requirements.
• Consider upgrading to a UL-approved outside air kit which improves efficiency.
• Proper permits and inspection may be required by your local building department.

Ideally, you should have a professional install the stove to ensure proper clearances and compliance with building codes. Improper installation can be a fire hazard so don’t cut corners here.

Blower Fans for Better Heat Circulation

Most Pleasant Hearth wood stoves come with the option of adding a blower fan kit for improved heat circulation. This is an excellent upgrade that helps spread heat more evenly throughout the room.

The blower attaches near the rear of the stove and uses electricity to actively push air through heating chambers and out vents along the top. This allows you to lower the manual air intake and maintain steadier temperatures.

Blower fans run between $100-300 depending on the model. You’ll need an electrical outlet nearby to operate it. The fan is controlled by a variable speed switch or thermostat.

Consider adding this accessory if you want to get heat into distant corners of large rooms or improve comfort levels. It also helps if you’ll be burning the stove on lower heat settings frequently.

Heating Capacity of Pleasant Hearth Wood Stoves

When comparing different Pleasant Hearth wood stove models, the heating capacity or heat output is an essential factor. This determines how large of a space the stove can adequately heat.

Heat output is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units per hour. Standard models range from:

• Small: 30,000 BTUs for 500 – 1,000 sq ft spaces
• Medium: 50,000 BTUs for 1,000 – 1,600 sq ft
• Large: 60,000 – 85,000 BTUs for 1,600 – 2,000+ sq ft

Factors like your climate, home’s insulation, and number of stories impact the required heating capacity. But in general, choose a stove rated for at least 70 BTUs per square foot of space.

Don’t size your stove solely based on the physical room size. Heating capacity is what matters when determining the optimal firebox size.

Are Pleasant Hearth Wood Stoves EPA-Certified?

Many Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means they meet strict emissions standards for particulate and smoke output.

EPA certified wood stoves burn cleaner and more efficiently. However, they may have slightly lower maximum heat outputs since a slower burn is needed to reduce emissions.

Pleasant Hearth stoves like the Country and Americana series offer EPA-certified models. These are good choices if you prioritize environmental impact and energy efficiency.

Non-certified stoves can still be sold in some areas, but are increasingly being phased out due to regulations. When in doubt, look for the EPA certification label to ensure you get a clean-burning model.

Using a Wood Stove in a Mobile Home

Pleasant Hearth offers several wood stove models approved specifically for mobile home installations. Look for the notation that it is designed for manufactured housing.

Mobile home wood stoves have important safety features like:

• Outside air intake to prevent depressurization.
• Skirting to protect the base.
• Smaller firebox size.
• Tested to withstand a tip-over incident.

Carefully follow the securing and installation requirements outlined in the product manual. In some cases, a professional installer may be required or recommended.

Using one of Pleasant Hearth’s mobile home wood stoves allows owners of manufactured houses to enjoy the benefits of wood heat safely.

Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove Warranty Coverage

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are backed by a solid warranty to protect your investment. Here are the coverage details:

• Lifetime limited warranty on the most important components like the firebox, heat exchanger, and stainless steel chimney liner.
• 5 year comprehensive warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
• 1 year warranty on blowers, cast iron parts, and other accessories.

Make sure to register your stove warranty within 30 days of purchase. Maintain your stove as outlined in the manual for the warranty to remain valid.

The long warranty coverage provides great peace of mind. Pleasant Hearth stands behind their product quality and durability.

Energy Efficiency and Consumption

A major perk of Pleasant Hearth wood stoves is their ability to heat your home efficiently using less wood fuel.

• EPA models achieve around 75-80% efficiency on average by slowing combustion.
• Advanced secondary burn systems help extract even more heat from the same amount of wood.
• Blower fans circulate heat into the room before it gets lost up the chimney.
• Plate steel construction and air-tight assemblies prevent excess heat escape.

With the right model and operation, you can get up to 40+ hours of heating time from a single cord of wood. This is much more efficient than older stove designs. Less fuel used means lower heating costs.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Pleasant Hearth Stove

To keep your Pleasant Hearth wood stove operating safely and efficiently for years to come, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic cleaning and inspection.

Here are some general maintenance tips:

• Remove ash buildup from the firebox regularly using a small shovel. Only once fully cooled.
• Clean the glass doors with a damp cloth and approved stove glass cleaner to remove soot and creosote.
• Replace the door gaskets/seals if they become worn or compressed over time.
• Have the chimney and stovepipe cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep.
• Empty the ash pan regularly and replace it if it starts to warp or corrode.
• Paint or re-treat any enamel finish with high-temp stove paint as needed.

Taking good care of your wood stove will ensure it lasts for decades while operating at peak performance.

Where Are Pleasant Hearth Wood Stoves Manufactured?

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are designed and manufactured in the USA by Innovative Hearth Products (IHP) out of Nashville, Tennessee.

IHP has been crafting high-quality stoves and fireplaces under brands like Pleasant Hearth, Lopi, and Fireplace Extraordinare since 1980. They pride themselves on excellent US-based construction.

Parts like the heavy gauge steel, cast iron, and soapstone slate are ethically-sourced and come from US foundries and suppliers.

Choosing a locally made Pleasant Hearth stove supports American manufacturing jobs. You can be confident in the materials and workmanship.

Glass Door Models for Enjoying the Fire View

Many Pleasant Hearth wood stoves feature beautiful glass doors that allow you to enjoy watching the fire while it burns.

Single door models offer a more cost-effective option but with a smaller glass window.

For a truly expansive fire view, look for double or bay-style glass doors. The panoramic viewing area lets you fully appreciate the hypnotizing flames.

Glass doors also allow you to monitor the fire to ensure the wood and flame level are ideal. Plus, who doesn’t love cozying up next to a wood stove to gaze into the dancing fire on a chilly winter night?

Using a Wood Stove as Your Primary Heat Source

Pleasant Hearth wood stoves are certainly capable of providing reliable heat to act as the primary heating system for your home.

Some benefits as a main heat source:

• Less reliance on electric or gas utilities.
• Lower heating costs since wood fuel is cheaper.
• Uninterrupted heating during power outages.

Look for larger firebox capacity models rated to heat bigger home sizes. Having an ample wood fuel supply and storage is also key.

The added work of frequently loading the stove may be a consideration. Overall, a quality wood stove like Pleasant Hearth can absolutely pull duty as a capable primary heat system.

Burn Time on a Single Load of Wood

One way wood stoves differ is in the burn time or how many hours they can provide heat on a single load of wood.

For Pleasant Hearth wood stoves, burn times generally range from:

• Smaller stoves: 6 – 10 hours
• Larger stoves: Up to 12 – 15 hours

This can vary based on factors like:

• Firebox size
• Wood type and moisture content
• Adjusting the air intake
• Allowing the coals to burn down between refueling

A long burn time is convenient since it requires less frequent loading. But it also depends on your usage patterns and whether you prefer shorter, hotter burns vs longer, steady heating.

Reviews From Pleasant Hearth Wood Stove Owners

One of the best ways to evaluate a particular Pleasant Hearth wood stove is to read through reviews from actual owners:

• Owners praise the excellent heating ability, classic style, and heavy duty construction.
• Many mention how customer service is helpful if any issues arise.
• There are some complaints of quality control problems like warped parts or scratches out of the box. But the warranty covers manufacturer defects.
• Reviews strongly recommend hiring a professional installer and following the clearance requirements for the best experience.
• Most owners are extremely satisfied overall with the value, performance, and beautiful addition their Pleasant Hearth stove provides.

Be sure to read the latest reviews on sites like Amazon, Lowe’s, and home improvement blogs to see real customer experiences with that specific model.

How Pleasant Hearth Compares to Other Wood Stove Brands

Pleasant Hearth is considered among the top wood stove manufacturers competing with other reputable brands like:

• Englander – Similar classic style and practicality at a comparable price point.
• US Stove Company – Offers a good value but not as much premium finishing options.
• Vermont Castings – Known for handcrafted cast iron stoves but comes at a higher cost.
• Lopi – Made by the same parent company but positioned as a premium brand.

Pleasant Hearth stands out for their combination of quality materials, beautiful aesthetics, and reasonable prices. Owners have raved about the performance, heating ability, and ease of use from their products over the years.

Conclusion

We’ve just scratched the surface of everything to consider when researching Pleasant Hearth wood stoves. Take your time, weigh all the options, and think hard about your needs. A wood stove is a big investment that can provide decades of reliable heating when chosen wisely. Hopefully this guide has armed you with the key facts and gave a great overview of the Pleasant Hearth brand. Stay cozy!