Over the last few decades, we’ve seen a rising rate of homeowners make the switch from oil or electric heat towards more affordable and efficient home heating systems. Wood, Gas, and Pellet stoves and stove inserts have become the choice for many homeowners looking to save money, make their homes eco-friendlier, or just make them a little more ambient. Who doesn’t love a warm fire to sit and relax beside on a cold day?
As beautiful, efficient, and affordable as a new stove can be in your home, it can also be a big choice when it comes to fuel options and what type of fuel or stove will best suit your home, your budget, and your lifestyle. We’ve gathered some of the best advantages for wood, gas, and pellet heat so you can make the best choice for your home and your family.
Wood
Wood stoves create a warm, ambient environment in a home like no other heat source can. The crackling wood, intense heat, and scent of burning wood is easy to fall in love with. Plus, wood is considered eco-friendly and sustainable, as the fuel is biomass based and renewable. However, wood heat can be less convenient for some homeowners due to the heavy lifting and space needed for storage of wood. Here are some of the best advantages of wood heat and stoves:
- Natural, renewable resource
- Independent of electricity – heats during power outages
- Enjoy sights, sounds, and aroma of wood burning
- Durable, high quality, and long lasting
- Intense heat output
- Inexpensive fuel course (costs less per BTU than other fuel types)
Gas
Gas is a convenient, easy-to-use source of heat for many homeowners. With push button or switch ignition, the heavy lifting and hard work is eliminated from heating your home. While gas heat is not necessarily eco-friendly, it is clean and can be adjusted easily to eliminate excess heat output and emissions. Here are some of the best advantages of gas heat and stoves:
- Most convenient fuel to use
- Push button ignition
- Heat controlled by thermostat
- Clean burn (no mess, no fuss)
- Variable options for flame and heat output
- Many models come with large glass face to see fire
Pellet
Pellet heat is the up-and-coming choice of home heating in the United States with more than one million families owning a pellet stove. Combining the best elements of gas and wood, pellet heat is convenient and long-lasting like gas, yet eco-friendly and warm like wood heat. Pellets are clean-burning, renewable, simple to use (just pour a bag into the hopper and press the ignition button), and energy efficient. Here are some of the best advantages of pellet heat and stoves:
- Natural, renewable, environmentally friendly (pellets are made of recycled wood waste!)
- Easy to use and convenient to store
- Easy to access and load pellets in hopper
- Convenient thermostat maintains set temperature
- Automatic ignition operation
- Compact and quiet
There is no right answer when it comes to choosing between a wood, gas, or pellet stove or stove insert, but it is important to consider all the major factors that come with each option to be sure you’re making the best choice for your home and your budget.
Still not sure which type of home heating fuel is right for you? Our team is here to help. We can walk you through your options that can fit your home, and even do a home evaluation to see what kinds of stoves or stove inserts would be best for you. Plus, we carry dozens of wood, gas, and pellet models to choose from a range of manufacturers, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style and your budget. Contact us today for more information or to get started!
