Existing comment:
Heating Stoves
Heating stoves were more efficient than open fireplaces. Stoves used a lot less fuel. Their cast iron surfaces radiated warmth more evenly and effectively -- heat stayed in the room rather than going up the chimney.
Stoves were rare in American homes before 1830. Then, new manufacturing techniques made stoves stronger, lighter, and less expensive. People bought stoves to heat their parlors, dining rooms, and -- if they could afford it -- every room in the house. Style mattered. People wanted their stoves to be eye-catching, as well as useful.
As central heating systems became common in the early 1900s, radiators replaced stoves. |