While they can certainly be very efficient in terms of their fuel use, you will still need to cut down trees for firewood before using them and then stack that wood somewhere dry and close enough by so that it is accessible when needed. If this sounds like too much work then we suggest trying something else such as electric heat which does require less maintenance but also tend to be more expensive than other types of units especially if you want large amounts of power during colder months. With most stoves however all you really have to do once they are installed is to feed them wood and turn the device on when you begin feeling cold.