Choosing a new Heater

Here are things to consider when CHOOSING YOUR NEW Wood, Gas or Pellet Stove Comparisons based on: 1) Economics 2.) Convenience 3) Comfort 4) Appearance 5) Environmental Future 6) Electricity Dependence WOOD PELLETS (& other agricultural wastes) Are renewable resources, at competitive cost, with minimal user effort. 1) Costs a little more than firewood, without as much handling.  Lowest prices during off season. 2) Clean bagged fuel requiring minimal storage area, self-maintained flame and constant even heat, from wall thermostat control.  Regular maintenance and cleaning necessary.  Keep your manual and parts list handy! 3) Constant radiant and convective heat. 4) Many options in styling and wood flame appearance. 5) Renewable agricultural resource with low emissions. 6) A small generator can run this and other household appliances when power is out.  A  battery back-up system can be used for limited periods with the correct invertor to DC power. FIREWOOD (For the self-sufficient individual ready to work to save $) 1) Lowest cost fuel requires: Harvesting, splitting, stacking, storage of wood and kindling.  Delivery of split, dried cords of wood is another option. 2) Maintenance necessary includes: Daily Firebox Stoking.  Ash Removal, Insect and Debris Cleanup. 3) Fluctuating temperatures with radiant heat source. Soapstone stoves provide more consistent temperatures! 4) Real romance and beauty of wood fire. 5) Renewable resource depending on forest depletion. Reduced particulate matter emission with current efficiency standards. 6) No electricity needed except for optional fans. PROPANE (Convenience at a price) 1) Often twice the cost of firewood or pellets. 2) No fuel handling and wall thermostat or remote control.  Annual maintenance by a professional. 3) High-Efficiency Freestanding Stoves, Inserts or Fireplaces offer maximum comfort with radiant and convective heat. 4) Realistic wood fire romance and beauty. 5) Non-renewable fossil fuel with carbon dioxide emissions. 6) Needs no electricity to operate except optional fans. NATURAL GAS  (Convenience at a price) 1) Often twice the cost of firewood or pellets. 2) No fuel handling and wall thermostat or remote control.  Annual maintenance by a professional. 3) High-Efficiency Freestanding Stoves, Inserts or Fireplaces offer maximum comfort with radiant and convective heat. 4) Realistic wood fire romance and beauty. 5) Non-renewable fossil fuel with carbon dioxide emissions. 6) Needs no electricity to operate except optional fans. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS 1) Lose 10% to 30% of their heat in ducting which equals wasted $. 2) Set a programmable wall thermostat to control level of heat desired throughout day and night. Annual maintenance by a professional. 3) Warmth as long as there is fuel and power. 4) Provide no radiant heat or open hearth in the home to create a cozy atmosphere. 5) Usually will not heat individual zones, wasting heat on unused areas of the home. No matter what fuel, this is the least energy efficient choice. 6) NO POWER, NO HEAT! Click here for an interactive fuel cost comparison chart that tells you which fuel costs more to delivery BTUs to your home.