We are considering buying a corn stove from our friends at American Energy Systems. While we could buy a furnace or stove that burns corn, we are leaning toward a fireplace.

We already have a nice fireplace area in our family room where we spend the majority of our time. It’s where we would enjoy it the most, plus be reminded to feed it corn regularly. They make an insert that can be placed in the same spot as our old, less energy efficient gas fireplace is currently sitting. We don’t use it much, mostly because we feel like we are wasting fuel.

Since our house is big and spread out, our current gas fireplace can’t put out enough to heat our entire home. A corn stove/fireplace can and for a whole lot less. I’m all for saving money and our environment, but mostly I love the idea of using renewable fuel. Apparently, the new buzz word is flex fuel, meaning some of our stove options would allow us to burn all kinds of different renewable fuels.

Growing up on a farm where I spent countless hours in the tractor with my dad planting corn and soybeans, I love the idea of using corn. It’s like saying, “Thanks, Dad for teaching me to love farming and respect our resources”. Plus, my dad is a LEED certified architect, and we’ve had plenty of discussions about what we all need to do in our personal lives and homes to be more “green” focused. I know he will approve of this decision.

 As an added bonus, I just found out that several of our options qualify for the energy efficient tax credit available, up to $1,500 and that’s a big help for us.

If you or someone you know has a corn burning stove or fireplace, I’d love to hear from you. I know two people who’ve bought corn stoves, but I don’t know anyone personally who has opted for the fireplace.