Here’s a list of helpful questions to ask BEFORE purchasing your corn heating unit.

How much heat is required for your desired space? What is the heat output of the stove?
The necessary heat output of the stove will vary based on your location, square footage, and the type of house or building you would like to heat. A contractor may be able to help determine your needs.

What products are the stove designed to run on?
Some units are capable of burning corn, wood, pellets, nutshells, cherry pits, rye, wheat, or barley. Make sure the stove has the capabilities you want.

Is the stove certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.?
Some stoves have UL listings which provides a certification that the product has undergone quality testing and is deemed safe. Some stoves have specific components that are listed.

What size is the hopper? How long will the stove operate on a fill of corn?
Depending on the size of the hopper and the setup of the unit, you may be required to fill more frequently, such as daily rather than weekly. Ask how often the stove should have to be filled.

Does the stove have a “self cleaning burn pot?”
Some stoves have manually cleaned burn pots requiring daily cleaning for continuous use.

Is the stove self starting? Does it have an electronic igniter? If so, will it start corn?
Many companies have igniters which start wood or pellet stoves, but will not ignite corn. Be sure to check if it is guaranteed to start every time. If so, what is the cost to operate the igniter?

Does the stove have electronic safety features?
Look for features such as low temperature and high temperature auto-shutdown, lid open safety switch, and auto switching on high fuel settings.

What type of exhaust venting is required?
If the stove is an outside model, the venting system could be incorporated right into the stove. Most inside models require a class A chimney, which is the same as wood stoves or fireplaces. Some vents can exit the side of the building, much like a vent for a clothes dryer.

Does the stove have backup electrical capabilities?
Having backup electrical capabilities will keep heat flowing, even when the power goes out.

Does the unit have hot exposed surfaces?
If the unit has hot exposed surfaces, these areas could easily cause burns. Be careful of this, especially if young children will be around the unit.

Who will be taking care of you after the sale?
Before making a purchase, ensure that someone will be available to answer any questions you have once the unit is installed and operating.

How will corn be stored?
Take into consideration how you plan to store the corn, whether it be a wagon or a bin. This will allow you to buy the corn in larger quantities.

Do you have easy access to a reliable supplier of corn?
Corn is grown across Michigan by more than 12,000 farmers. You are making an investment in a unit which will require corn for years to come and there will be corn available.

What types of permits are needed for installation of a corn stove?
Call your township office to obtain the necessary permit. The permit may be issued by your township or the State of Michigan. A permit is required before beginning installation.

Will an inspection be needed after installation?
An inspection is required. Call your township office to determine who serves as your mechanical inspector. Some townships have their own, while others rely on the State of Michigan. Once installation is complete, the inspector should be summoned.

Information to gather before visiting a dealer:

* How many square feet of space do you want to heat?
* How tall are your ceilings?
* How good is your insulation? How about your windows?
* How much money did you spend heating your home last year?
* Where do you spend most of your leisure time in your home?
* Draw a simple sketch of the layout of your home (include hallways, direction of the stairs and doorway openings).

— Courtesy of The Corn Heating Resource at www.micorn.org/heat.