Rich's for the Home

Q/A on the Stove Tax Credit

Do you have questions about the stove tax credit? You are not the only one. Questions abound from our customers when they come in to look at our selection of stoves and we don't blame them. Some of the initiatives with the most benefit are confusing in their terminology and clearness about the benefits.

Fortunately, we have trained our staff members here at Rich's for the Home to answer your questions. Here are some of the most common ones:

Q- How much is the tax credit for?

A- It is for up to 30% of your purchase price, up to $1500.00. 

Q- How do we get the tax credit?

A- After purchasing your stove, keep your receipt. There will be room on the bottom of your tax forms for your credit. In addition, if you file your return electronically through a service, many have added the question to the list that you answer as you prepare your return. Retain your receipt with your tax records.

Q- Can I claim this credit for a stove placed in my vacation home or a home that I use as a rental?

A- No, the credit covers only a stove for your primary residence. Vacation homes and homes that you rent out to others do not qualify.

Q- We bought a stove right before the legislation was approved. Is there anything that we can do to receive the credit?

A- Yes, if your stove was purchased January 1, 2009-June 1, 2009, your purchase will still qualify for credit. 

Q- We've heard of the 75% efficiency requirement. How is that determined?

A- According to HPBA, the manufacturer of the stove must provide certification that the product tests for at least a 75% efficiency rating using the lower heating value i.e. the heat value of a combustion process assuming that none of the water vapor resulting from the process is condensed out, so that its latent heat is not available.  

Q- What should a retailer provide?

A- According to HPBA, retailers (and consumers) must keep exact records of any sale or purchase.  Retailers should provide a consumer with the manufacturer's certification statement for the specific product model purchased. A consumer may rely on a manufacturer's certification statement that their products are qualified energy property. Manufacturers should make this certification document available to consumers on the web, in the product packaging, or in some other easily accessible manner. 

Q- What should I do if I have more questions?

A- The IRS Notice is available for your review. In addition, feel free to come by a Rich's for the Home location to browse our selection of stoves. We are happy to help!

GreenSmart Lopi Stove

The Lopi website tells us that The Berkshire™ GreenSmart (GS) is the newest cast iron gas stove, and features the revolutionary GreenSmart system.

What is GreenSmart?

GreenSmart is a gas technology that is energy-efficient and saves on the usage of energy. In other words, it will reduce your energy bill but still keep you warm. I know that we can all use a little (or a lot) of that.

"The real power of GreenSmart system is the entire collection of components, controls and technology features like: accent lights, flame adjustments, blower control and a choice of pilot ignition modes, a collection of features only available on GreenSmart models."

GreenSmart models even have a remote control with a "Smart Mode". It has the ability to adjust the flame height based on the temperature setting. Instead of turning the flame on or off, as many models do, the flame can modulate up/down slightly as needed. It prevents it from having to restart when it gets colder in the room so it both conserves fuel and increases the heating ability of the stove. 

Lopi reports that the GreenSmart Stove has a realistic wood-like flame. And "with the combination of convective heat, radiant heat and 31,000 maximum Btu heat output, this stove is ideal for mid-sized homes and for zonal heating large areas of your home."

Rich's for the Home cares about our environment just like you. We realize not only the importance of saving energy but also feel responsible to offer consumers choices that are eco-friendly, safe and smart.

Get smart. Get GreenSmart.

Resources from the Web

A Clean Sweep- This Chimney Sweeper not only knows what he is doing professionally, but he accomplishes it in a Top Hat & Tails. Read more.

Ever wonder the difference between wood, gas and electric stoves? Here's a basic tutorial. 

Here is a great list on what to accomplish in your garden in these early days of October. Yes, your garden can still highlight your outdoor room-even here in the Northwest.

RV'ing within Kansas? Some campgrounds and RV parks have hot-tubs as well as other great amenities. You can sort a list of those here.

When hot-tub shopping, don't forget to consider the weight of the hot tub when filled with water. 

Here is a way to both spice up your fireplace and make it a comfortable spot to sit.

Here are the EPA guidelines for stoves. 

Don't forget to keep your family safe! Here are some safety gates for woodstoves and fireplaces.

Having one last grill party? Don't forget to review the appropriate grilling temperatures for meats.

Stove Tax Credit

The Milton family of Federal Way recently took advantage of stove tax credit that the Obama Administration put into place. They already had a wood stove, but had wanted to upgrade for a long time. 'The tax credit made it the right time for us." Susan Milton says, "We might have held it off a couple more years but now I am glad we didn't."

The Milton's upgraded to a Lopi Declaration stove insert and although it was a couple days of mess in the house as they took out their old stonework and replaced some of that too, it was very worth it. "Our old stove looked pretty out of place once we redecorated our living room." She explains, "The new one not only blends better with the decor but is efficient and very warm." They especially love that their were several options for different faces on the insert. Their neighbors have one too but they look nothing like each other. 

Now they are busy stocking up wood for the winter. "It's hard work now." Susan laughs, "We are working, have family activities and are stacking wood like squirrels that stash nuts for the winter...but we know that come November and December, we'll be very grateful for that stash."

It is not too late to take advantage of the stove tax credit that the Obama Administration made available to families this year to assist in the cost of warming your home and helping the environment at the same time. You can, in fact, receive 30% of the purchase price back as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00. Visit Rich's for the Home today to learn more.

The EPA and your stove

The Environmental Protection Agency has done a pretty good job at issuing guidelines for stoves of all kinds so that we are all working harder to protect our environment and making sure that it is healthy for a longer time period.

From the EPA website: "The traditional pot-bellied stove is a thing of the past - today’s wood stove models feature improved safety and efficiency. They produce almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood..While older uncertified stoves and fireplaces release 40 to 60 grams of smoke per hour; new EPA-certified stoves produce only 2 to 5 grams of smoke per hour."

Rich's for the Home carries all certified stoves but if you would like a list of certified models, the EPA has provided one. All certified stoves will have a tag as well. 

In regards to pellet stoves, the EPA says "Instead of logs, pellet stoves burn a renewable fuel made of ground, dried wood and other biomass wastes compressed into pellets. They are some of the cleanest-burning heating appliances available today and deliver high overall efficiency. Because they pollute so little, pellet stoves do not require EPA certification; some manufacturers, however, voluntarily seek this certification. Unlike wood stoves and fireplaces, most pellet stoves need electricity to operate, and can be easily vented through a wall, unlike log-burning stoves."

There are very good reasons for certification so read up on it and take your questions to Rich's for the Home when you go to shop for stoves. We are always happy to help you learn more.

Getting Ready for Fall Storms

Before you know it, Fall will be upon us and our glorious NW storms will once again make an appearance. Did you miss them? I certainly didn't although I know some people who love them. It may help you to remember that storms are a season in themselves and although not all of us look forward to it, it will end just like any other season.

Why don't you think of a way to celebrate the storms this Fall? A good way to do this is to plan a trip to the coast for storm-watching.

You can also make sure that your home is ready for storms. There are several ways to do this. Below are our recommendations:

1. Buy a wood/pellet/gas stove or fireplace if you haven't already. As you know the government stimulus plan will provide a tax credit up $1500.00 for your purchase of approved ones. All the stoves at Rich's for the Home qualify so now is a great time to buy.
2. Stock up on fuel for your stove or fireplace.
3. Winterize your home by checking for areas that heat may be escaping. Check around windows and doors in particular.
4. Clean your gutters before the winds start.
5. Clear any tree branches that might be dangerous when the winds start. Consult with an arborist if you have questions about it.
6. If you don't already have shades on your windows in addition to curtains, you should consider having them installed. They help heat stay put.
7. Restock your emergency supplies. Make sure that you have lighting, propane if needed and glowsticks.
8. Have your furnace serviced, if needed.

$1,500 Tax Credit on Purchase of All Rich's Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, and Fireplaces

Homeowners who purchase an energy-efficient wood or pellet stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert can claim a tax credit of up to $1500 on their 2009 or 2010 federal income taxes.

The tax credit, part of the US government’s Recovery Act, applies to 75 percent-efficient biomass burning stoves and can be used for the purchase and installation of the stove, venting, and hearthpads.

“This new tax credit is a great way for consumers to save up to 30 percent on a wood stove or pellet stove purchase,” says Jon Chapman, marketing manager for Rich’s for the Home.

A homeowner who spends $3,000 on a stove, for instance, can claim a 30 percent tax credit – or $900 – on his or her federal income tax return, Chapman explains. The credit either increases the tax refund or decreases the tax bill, dollar-for-dollar.

The tax credit is good on all stove and fireplace brands Rich’s for the Home carries, including Lopi, Hearthstone, Avalon, Morso, and Harman. People who purchase stoves will receive certification that the product qualifies for the tax credit.

“This tax credit is an outstanding achievement for the biomass stove industry,” says Chapman. “We’re cautiously optimistic that it will increase demand for the products.”

The benefits of heating with biomass

• Reduced heating costs – Wood and pellet prices fluctuate less than propane, oil, and natural gas.
• Green heating – Wood and pellet fuel is a carbon-neutral, renewable resource. Today’s stoves  produce more heat with less wood and are clean-burning, with less ash and minimal outside air emissions. They eliminate 75 percent of the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel burning.

For complete details about the tax credit:

• IRS Notice 2009-53, Non-business Energy Property
• Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA)

Tax Stove Credit Information

The Stove Tax Credit put into place by the Obama administration has been finalized and although there are some stipulations, it means that you can get up to 30% of your qualifying stove/fireplace purchase as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00.

What are you waiting for? It's an ideal time.

All the products from Lopi meet the qualifications. Here is a handy-dandy list of models just for you:

Lopi Wood Stoves:

Leyden

Answer

Republic 1250

Republic 1750

Endeavor

Liberty

Lopi Wood Stove Inserts:

Answer

Declaration

Revere

Freedom

Freedom Bay

Walden

Lopi Pellet Stoves:

Leyden

Pioneer

Yankee

Lopi Pellet Stove Inserts:

Pioneer Bay

Yankee Bay

Tax Credit for Purchasing Stoves

One of the benefits to the new stimulus plan is a tax credit of up to $1,500.00 towards the purchase and installation of renewable bio-mass heating sources, including wood and pellet stoves with a Lower Heating Value of at least 75%. Although the IRS is still deciding how the Lower Heating Value will be defined, this is good news for anyone considering a wood or pellet stove for their home. With that kind of tax credit, you can practically get one for free.

We will make sure and keep you updated on more information as it becomes available. But why don't you visit Rich's for the Home today and start making a list of of the features that you want in your "practically-free" stove? Don't forget to keep your decor in mind as you do. You can write down prices, take pictures and when you get more information on the tax credit, decide what stove works best for you.

See you soon!

 

Five Day or Less Installation with Stoves and Fireplaces

I am the ultimate procrastinator. My daughter told me twice in the last hour to stop checking email and to get on my blog posts! LOL. No worries-I actually told her to help me out like that tonight because I am very busy catching up.

It’s been a day and I even had some computer issues earlier when I spilled some water on my new laptop. Yikes. After borrowing a screwdriver (we didn’t have the right size), we very carefully removed some panels and also used a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry it out. It took hours but now the mouse is moving again and the speakers aren’t squealing so I hope that we are good to go. We better be, anyway.

That’s where my procrastination got me. Where has your procrastination taken you?

Has it left you without a stove or fireplace in this cold and wet weather? If so, I have a deal for you. Rich’s for the Home has issued a special coupon for a deal on stoves and fireplaces. Use the coupon and you can get installation within 5 days or less of your purchase (a few restrictions apply).

So here is your chance! If you are in need of last minute warming during this cold season, please take advantage of this. Print out the coupon and take it to your nearest Rich’s for the Home.

You’ll be glad you did!

Stoves and Fireplaces for only $588.99!

The big story in our area right now is, of course, the weather. Brrrr! Are you cold? I hope that with the “Big Freeze” that you are cuddling near your stove or fireplace. I also hope that you are staying off the roads as much as possible, and staying safe.

I don’t know about you, but the kink in the weather sure put a kink in my holiday plans! I was going to accomplish SO much this week! So the next post, I will talk about planning for your holiday gathering at the last minute.

In the meantime, let’s look at the advantages of owning a stove or fireplace from Rich’s for the Home.

1. “When the weather outside is frightful”, you can be assured of warmth, even if the power goes out. This is so very important—especially when temps are hovering in the teens and twenties, as they currently are.
2. You can usually save money on your heating bill by using your stove or fireplace in conjunction with or instead of your furnace.
3. You can save money when purchasing a stove or fireplace from Rich’s. Right now they start as low as $588.99! That’s an amazing price!
4. Stoves and fireplaces add an instant cozy feel to your home and encourage family gatherings.
5. They also add a touch of unique décor to your rooms that people are drawn to.
6. You can make S’Mores and even cook on many stoves and fireplaces. A popcorn and hot cocoa night is a sure way to draw your kids from their rooms.

What are you waiting for? You can’t beat the price of $588.99 so head to your nearest Rich’s for the Home today and don’t shiver throughout another night.

Harman Stove Product Guides

Harman Stoves have provided a very easy way to obtain product guides on their website. Here they are for you to access as well.

Pellet Stoves and Inserts P68 Pellet Stove Pellet Pro 38 Plus Accentra Pellet Stove Accentra Pellet Fireplace Insert Accentra Insert ZC Box Installation Instructions Advance Pellet Stove PF100 Pellet Pro Furnace PB105 Pellet Boiler New! XXV Pellet Stove Wood Stoves and Inserts Oakwood Cast Iron Wood Stove Exception Woodburning Fireplace Insert Exception Wood Stove Coal Stoves and Inserts Magnum Stoker DVC-500 Direct Vent Coal Stoker 44 Magnum Coal Stoker VF3000 Verti-Flow Stoker Boiler TLC 2000 Coal Stove Magnafire Series Coal Stove Elite Insert Gas Stoves and Inserts Clarity Gas Fireplace Insert Clarity Series Direct Vent Gas Stove Conquest Direct Vent Gas Stove FireLuxe Gas Stove ShadowLight XL Corn Stoves PC 45 Corn Stove Gas Fireplaces Serenity 2 Serenity 3

Features of Stoves

With the Hearthstone brand of stoves, you can use the concept of  "Zone Heating" to save 20-40% of your energy consumption. Zone Heating allows you to control the temperature to each area as needed so that you aren't wasting energy by heating the spaces that don't need as much. It not only reduces your footprint but also saves you money. A gas stove or insert in particular from Hearthstone can help with this effort.

The Lopi Yankee pellet stove can save you a lot of time and grief as it will heat up to 2,250 square feet for 48 hours without reloading. Can you imagine the allure of that? I know that my kids and I both would enjoy that feature.

The Lopi 21 TRV Portrait Style Gas Fireplaces are a cozy and convenient way to provide the warmth and beauty of fire to rooms not normally considered for fireplaces. They're designed for corner or limited space installations in small, intimate settings such as bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms or kitchens.

With its unique heat transfer system and elegant design, the Avalon Rainier Wood Stove has radiant surfaces and a convection heat exchanger and can heat up to a 1,800-sq. ft. home. It also has a large firebox that can burn logs up to 20” long. It works well for burning overnight without restocking. A single air control adjusts heat output, and the optional pedestal base features a huge ashpan to minimize ash removal between burns.

Best part? If your local Rich's for the Home does not have what you want in stock, they will order it for you.

Ten Steps to Stove Safety

Please do not forget to protect little ones who are in your home when it come to your stove and fireplaces. There is nothing more horrendous than injury—and burns are especially bad. It’s just not worth the risk. Here are some safety ideas to help keep everyone safe.

1. Consider a safety gate around your stove and fireplace. KidCo Hearthgate is an excellent choice and they have extensions available if you have a larger area to protect.
2. Handy with the tools? My uncle made a gate for me when I had little ones. He welded it from black iron and then installed it across the front of the wood stove. But be aware that any metal will heat up.
3. Teach kids that the surface of the stove is “hot”.
4. Don’t let them play in the fire. Tell them they can “help” only when supervised by an adult.
5. Emphasize that lighters and matches are dangerous and store them out of reach. Never use the surface of the stove to “dry” wood (yes, I did that once then fell asleep and awoke to a fire).
6. Never leave the door to the lit stove open—even if just running elsewhere to get wood. Never leave your safety gate open either.
7. Do not leave young children unsupervised in a room with a lit stove or fireplace.
8. Teach kids about embers and sparks. Mine used to call to me every time the fire popped but that’s OK. It was a reminder to check for flying embers.
9. Check with manufacturers about any potential safety issues and read the manual that came with your unit.
10. Be extra careful if you ever cook on your stove surface to instruct kids on the dangers of being near. Always watch boiling water on top so it doesn’t completely evaporate.

Stove and Fireplace Maintenance

Cleaning and caring for your stove or fireplace will not only keep you and your loved ones safer but also extend the life and efficiency of your heat source. Experts recommend that you have your chimneys cleaned by professionals at least once a year if the stove or wood-burning fireplace is used regularly and every two or three years if you only use it a couple of days a week. A chimney is important to clean as creosote builds up and can ignite, causing chimney fires.

The flue and the damper are different parts of your stove and fireplace. A flue is the pipe that carries the smoke up and out of your home. The damper is only a window to help control amount of heat, although it does let some smoke out as well. Both need cleaning once in awhile so include these in your routine.

If you are burning wood, you will also need to clean out the ashes when they build up. Consider using the ashes in your compost, if you burn only wood and not garbage. There are not many easy ways to clean out ashes. With most stoves and fireplaces, you basically scoop the ashes out into a bucket. But if you are newly installing, I encourage you to think ahead. In my house I can lift up the fireplace grate, slide aside a small door in the floor and drop the ashes into a large container under the house which we empty a couple times a year. It not only makes it easier, but also helps with our allergies as loose ashes aren’t flying all over the living room.

And of course, don’t forget the outside of your stove and fireplace. Check with your manufacturer to insure that you are using friendly cleaners for your particular stove or fireplace.