If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to start heating your home with alternative energy, you might consider looking for a used wood stove. While you might not be able to find as great a selection as you would with new stoves, often the price difference makes this a real attractive option for those looking to save some money. Of course, there are several things you should consider when looking for used instead of new.

First, if you’ve decided to go with a used stove, you should think through exactly how you’re going to install it in your home. A free-standing stove can be the easiest option as well as the most efficient design, but you’ll have to consider the chimney placement. Roof penetration can lead to water intrusion if not properly done, and wall placement will mean that your choices of stove placement will be limited to those locations near an outside wall. It might be possible to find a used fireplace insert, but you’re even more limited by the size of your existing fireplace.

Some free-standing wood stoves can be placed on any floor. Others require heat-resistant flooring for some distance around them. You’ll need to consider your options before deciding on a final placement. Sometimes this can be as simple as building up a brick or stone foundation for the stove. The complexity of this will vary based on your existing flooring.

Finally, some stoves include blowers and fans that require electrical power. These wood stoves have the potential of providing whole-home heating, but would require nearby electrical power. Sometimes these stoves require a dedicated circuit, but this isn’t always the case since they use minimal power. Regardless, you should be prepared to do some electrical work if the stove you’re considering needs electrical power.

Once you’ve considered your specific needs, you can begin looking for a used stove. Garage sales, craigslist, and even freecycle can be places to find someone wanting to get rid of an unneeded stove, but they can be somewhat hit and miss. There are web-based dealers who sometimes have inventory of used stoves that have been replaced as someone upgrades.

Regardless of where you find your wood stove, you’ll need to do a thorough inspection before buying to make sure that the stove is in good condition. Constant use will eventually degrade even the strongest steel, so you’ll want to make sure the fire box is still in good condition. Older cast iron stoves are prone to rust-through, so while they might be attractive from an antique perspective, they might not be as functional. Make sure all of the vents open and close and that the doors work smoothly and fit tightly. If there are adjustable vents surrounding the heating chamber, make sure they work as well.

If the wood stove includes electrical components such as a fan or blower, you might not be able to verify that it works. Make sure you ask the owner, but in most cases you’ll have to take his word for it. Find out who the manufacturer is and see if you can go online to check on availability of parts. With older wood stoves, major parts such as blower motors can be difficult and sometimes even impossible to find. In these cases repair can be so expensive that it’s almost better to choose a new stove. Occasionally stoves that are offered at a cheap price are in this category, so make sure you do your due diligence.

If you decide to purchase a used stove instead of new, make sure you consider all of the variables. It’s possible to find a great deal on a great stove, but it’s also possible to buy someone else’s problem. When you hit the right combination, a used wood stove can be a great investment that will provide years of heating comfort for your home.