Frequently Asked Questions

We offer service referrals for the brands we sell. If you purchased your stove through us, we’ll connect you with a trusted technician who has been trained to work on the models we offer. While we don’t provide in-house service, we stand behind the products we sell and only recommend experienced professionals familiar with our brands.

Yes, we work closely with a dedicated general contractor who handles all aspects of the installation process. Whether you need gas or electrical work, construction, demolition, or full installation, we’ll connect you with a trusted professional who partners exclusively with us and is familiar with the products we sell.

Street parking is usually available in front of our store. If street parking is full, you're welcome to park behind our neighbors at Mission Printers. For details, check out the parking map on our Contact Us page.

Every manufacturer recommends annual servicing to keep your appliance running safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your product and ensures it continues to perform at its best.

We provide a one-year full warranty on all products purchased through our store. After the first year, the manufacturer’s warranty applies. Details for each brand’s coverage can be found in the back of your owner’s manual.

All wood should be cured 1 year, except eucalyptus which should be cured 2 years. Standing curing is fine.

Best wood in this area is oak and madrone.

Highest BTU wood is fruit and nut woods. Almond is the highest in this area.

Wood that is good for kindling but not cord wood are pine, redwood, cedar, and fir (lights faster, burns hotter).

When buying wood, it’s good practice to test the moisture using a moisture meter. Ideal moisture reading is 15%, and should be no more than 20%.

For best results, wood should be stored in a wood shed.

Buy two cords of wood sometime between June and September, to be sure you don’t have to look for more late in the season.

Yes! Not only is wood buring legal in California, it is actually one of the most environmentally friendly ways to heat your home. The key is doing so with a modern wood stove. New stoves are nearly carbon neutral, emitting 1/100th of the emissions per hour of an open wood fireplace.

Yes! The city has confirmed that it is not legal to restrict access to utilities, including natural gas. Gas appliances are still available for purchase and installation.

We always offer 12-month, zero-interest financing, and a 3% discount when you pay in full by check. We occasionally run sales and always notify our customers by email. If you'd like to be the first to know, click here to join our email list. 

Woodstove & Sun provides fireplace, stove, and outdoor kitchen sales and service referrals throughout the Monterey Bay area. We regularly serve customers in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond, Bouldercreek, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Pescadero, Prunedale, Campbell, Seaside, Carmel, La Selva Beach, Watsonville, Salinas, Monterey, Los Gatos, and San Jose. If you're located nearby and looking for expert advice on fireplaces or outdoor living products, contact us to see how we can help.

Yes! All of the gas fireplaces we sell are designed to operate without electricity, making them an excellent source of heat during power outages.

Lead times can vary depending on the brand and the time of year. To ensure your new stove or fireplace is installed before winter, it’s best to start the process early—summer is ideal, as lead times are shorter and installers have more availability. Planning ahead helps you avoid seasonal delays and ensures your home is warm and ready when the cold weather hits.

Yes, it is legal to install a wood stove or fireplace yourself. If you choose to do a self-install, we offer technical support to help guide you through the process. 

Most fireplaces and stoves have a lifespan of around 20–25 years. As they age, they often become less efficient and may require more frequent maintenance. It might be time to replace your unit if you're not getting enough heat, your burn times are getting shorter, or you’re spending more time and money on upkeep. Upgrading to a modern model can improve performance, efficiency, and safety.

Yes! Modern wood and gas stoves are designed for safe, continuous use, including overnight operation. As long as your appliance is installed correctly and used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, it can safely provide heat around the clock.