We bought our last wood stove in 2008 — conveniently right before the great ice storm hit, when we were living in Westminster. We still talk about what a game changer it was, not just during the days we were out of power, but long after. We love when the walls are warm, the furniture is warm, everything just gently radiating the heat it’s absorbed. So cozy.
So when the weather started turning toward the end of 2025 and it came time to think about firing up the heat, I floated the idea of a wood insert, but I figured Jay would be a hard no since he just loves the open fire. Then I mentioned the $2,000 tax credit, and suddenly he was a little more open to the conversation.
After nine years in this house, and nine winters being freezing on the second floor, we finally did it. We went to Higgins Energy Alternatives in Barre, and from the very first phone call, they were fantastic. They have a great selection in the store — wood, gas, and pellet stoves — so really something for everyone, whatever your setup.
We worked with Chris Jensen, talked through all our options, and he was genuinely helpful — not pushy, just knowledgeable. We knew we wanted the largest glass opening possible (we were nervous about losing that full caveman-fire view), so we went with the Lopi Next Gen hybrid wood insert in size large, with a contemporary face and a custom surround.
One fun logistical detail: there’s a fan component, so the day before the stove arrived for installation, we had Batallas Electric over to install an outlet inside the firebox. Because of course there’s an outlet inside the firebox now.
Shadow and the Higgins Guys
The Higgins team was great all the way through installation, and even helped us figure things out afterward. *Thanks Marco! Does it feel slightly less rustic? Yes, a little. Is it warmer and safer? Absolutely.
One last thing — lucky for me, Jay has zero interest in power sports, because Higgins Powersports is dangerously close by. So if you also happen to need an ATV or a side-by-side while you’re there…just know that’s an option if you’re looking for one-stop shopping.
Higgins Energy Alternatives
📍 140 Worcester Rd (Rte 122), Barre, MA 01005
📞 (978) 355-6343
✉️ info@higginsenergy.com
🌐 higginsenergy.com
