About: Joe Bodden

Joseph G. Bodden is a Wisconsin native and is semi-retired after 40+ years in marketing, sales and technical customer service work. Over 23 of those years have been in the fireplace industry, as the Hearth Division Manager in an organization that operates two retail shops. During that time, Bodden was certified by the National Fireplace Institute in wood & gas technologies. He was also selected several times by Hearth & Home magazine as a judge for the annual VESTA awards that recognize manufacturers creativity and innovation in product design and technology. One thing that Joe particularly finds fulfilling is explaining fairly complex subjects to fireplace customers and steering them to specific products that will satisfy their objectives. There’s nothing like unsolicited positive feedback from a happy customer! He enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar and spending time with their four grandchildren. Bodden continues to live in Wisconsin with his bride of 43 years.

Recent Posts by Joe Bodden

Why is My Pellet Stove Not Heating?

Why is My Pellet Stove Not Heating?
Most pellet stoves and inserts generate heat in the range of 8000 – 40,000 BTU’s/hour.  If your appliance seems to have lost a little something in the heat output department, the fix might be easier than you think! PELLET STOVES 101: THE BASICS OF HOW THEY WORK. A hopper or bin on your pellet stove…
Read more

How hot does the glass get on an electric fireplace?

Unlike the glass on a wood burning fireplace or a gas model, the glass on an electric fireplace will not get hot.  Even with the heat on, the glass will stay relatively cool to the touch and should not cause any safety concerns.  Since there’s no actual fire in the firebox, if the heat is…
Read more

Does the heating element always have to be on?

No, it does not.  This is one of the appeals of an electric fireplace.  If you want a bit of heat, turn the heat on.  If you want just the effects afforded by an electric fireplace, without any heat, just leave the heat off.  This will allow you to enjoy that special feeling and atmosphere…
Read more

Will an electric fireplace heat my room?

There are many variables that affect how much space an electric fireplace will heat.  Generally speaking, an electric fireplace can comfortably heat most rooms up to 250 – 300 square feet.  However, lots of variables can affect the amount of heat needed to stay comfortable:  the age of the house, type of construction, the condition…
Read more

How do I properly vent my pellet stove?

You have a few options for venting a pellet stove. Pellet stoves require type “L” vent pipe.  Most will have a 4” vent pipe requirement.  L-vent uses an air space between a stainless steel inner pipe and a galvanized outer pipe.  Since the exhaust on pellet equipment is pressurized, all joints between pipe components must…
Read more

How do I vent my pellet insert?

Pellet inserts must be vented vertically through the existing fireplace chimney. The existing chimney is used as a conduit for a 4” stainless steel liner.  This liner is connected to the top of the insert, installed up the chimney and terminated with a special adapter and termination cap on top. Note that many pellet inserts…
Read more

How do I know how much space my pellet stove will heat?

It’s all about the BTU’s! The more BTU’s, the more heat you’ll enjoy.  And, this is easily controlled by how fast the pellets are burned.  The faster the burn rate, the more BTU’s are produced.  The more fuel you’re using, the more heat you’re getting.  Your pellet stove or insert will have a range of…
Read more

Pellet stoves vs. wood burning stoves . . . . which is better?

This answer depends on several factors, such as: 1) your lifestyle, 2) quick and easy access to a wood supply, 3) the amount of time you can devote to cutting, splitting, hauling and stacking wood, 4) installation details, 5) cost, and other considerations. Let’s talk about cost first.  A pellet stove vs. a wood stove…
Read more

What happens to my stove or insert if I lose power?

If power is interrupted, by Mother Nature or a little one unplugging the appliance, your pellet equipment will not function. When power is off, there will be no additional fuel delivered to the burn pot, so any fire that’s burning will continue until it simply burns itself out.  If there is some rise to the…
Read more

How much electricity will I use for my pellet insert or stove?

That depends on your electric rate and your specific model. Most pellet stoves and inserts will use between 200 watts and 500 watts per hour.  Generally speaking, if you’re paying between 8ȼ - 10ȼ/kwh, expect to pay about 2 ½ȼ - 3ȼ/per hour to operate the electric motor, fan and circuit board.  That would translate…
Read more