There are several reasons why people might sell their wood stoves:
Upgrading to a Different Heating System: Some people sell their wood stoves when they decide to upgrade to a different type of heating system, such as a gas furnace, electric heater, or a more modern wood pellet stove. Different heating systems may offer convenience, better efficiency, or other features that suit their needs or lifestyle better.
Moving or Relocating: When people move to a new home or location, they might sell their wood stove if the new place doesn't have a suitable setup for one. Additionally, some regions have stricter regulations on wood-burning appliances, which might lead people to sell their wood stoves when they move to a place where these stoves are not allowed or need to be certified.
Lack of Use: Some homeowners may find that they don't use their wood stove as much as they initially anticipated. This could be due to various reasons, such as a milder climate, availability of alternative heating sources, or a change in lifestyle habits.
Renovations or Home Improvements: During home renovations or improvements, individuals may decide to sell their wood stove if it no longer fits the aesthetics or design of the updated space.
As for cutting firewood versus buying it from a store, the cost-effectiveness can vary depending on several factors:
Availability of Free or Cheap Firewood: If someone has access to their property with trees that need to be cut down or has access to a cheap or free source of firewood, cutting their own firewood can be cost-effective.
Equipment Costs: Cutting firewood requires the proper tools and equipment, such as a chainsaw, safety gear, and a log splitter. If the individual already owns or can borrow these tools, it can reduce the overall cost.
Time and Effort: Cutting and processing firewood can be labor-intensive, especially if done manually. For some people, the convenience of buying pre-cut and seasoned firewood from a store may outweigh the cost difference.
Energy Efficiency: Buying firewood from a store often ensures that the wood is properly seasoned and dried, leading to better energy efficiency and less creosote buildup in the stove. Wood that is not properly seasoned may burn less efficiently and require more frequent chimney cleaning.
In conclusion, whether it's cheaper to cut firewood versus buying it depends on individual circumstances, such as the availability of free or low-cost firewood, equipment costs, personal preferences, and the time and effort one is willing to invest in cutting and processing firewood.