With Winter fast approaching, it’s perfectly understandable why there are many homeowners who are looking for suitable home heating options. While there are those who have a home heating system to help them get through the season comfortably, there are others who have to look for cost-effective solutions so they don’t get cold during this time of the year.
One common method people use to heat up their home is by burning wood. There are also those who opt to use this to supplement their existing heat source at home. In doing this, they can save a lot of money since their overall heating costs are greatly reduced. If this is something you have been thinking about, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are many who opt for using wood to heat up their home.
If you are interested in this option for heating your home during winter, it’s important that you know what your options are. Since there are more options other than a wood-burning stove, you will need to know how to pick out the right option for you. At the same time, you get to know your options and what makes each different.
Apart from using wood-burning appliance, there is now an option to get a wood or dual fuel pellet stove. What this option refers to is that it makes use of wood along with corn, cherry pits, or some other non-traditional fuels. The reason why this makes a good alternative to traditional wood heat stove or fireplace is because the pellet stove is made up of different components. Just like the traditional option, a dual fuel pellet stove can manage to heat up your home really well. In some cases, it can even do a better job compared with a wood heat stove. If this is something you are considering, you need to know these things before you decide to buy one:
Appearance
Compared to wood heat stoves, which come in free-standing models, pellet stoves have a different appearance. As a matter of fact, the very first pellet stove sold in the market had a boxy look with unattractive wood burners. But ever since then, its design has been largely improved. The available pellet stoves sold today have a similar appearance as a wood-burning heat stove. You can even pick out a pellet stove with or without a viewing window.
Performance
When it comes to performance, however, pellet stoves have proven to be more efficient than a fireplace insert or an airtight stove. Before you choose a stove to buy, make sure to check the BTU ratings. The higher the rating, the better it will be. The advantage of using a pellet stove is that it can continuously operate as long as the hopper is full. On the other hand, if you use a wood stove, you need to maintain it so that the heat can be constant.
Installation Cost
If you’re bothered about the initial costs, it’s more or less similar with your other heating options. The important thing is that you pick out a style and design that fits what you are looking for and to have a stove size suitable to heat your entire living room.
Once you have purchased a wood heater, you can have it installed properly. The biggest difference with this is that you will need to have a full insulated chimney system extending above your roof peak. You can opt for a pellet stove that has a smaller chimney or direct-vent system. Since this is cheaper and easier to install, you get to reduce connection costs.
Operating Costs
Another expense you need to consider when getting a wood heater system for your home is the operating costs involved. You have to remember that when you are using a wood heater, the cost of firewood and pellet fuels differ depending in your area. One option is to store firewood outside your home so you have access to these anytime.
If you live in an area where firewood is readily available, you can opt for a wood heater for your home. You’ll save a lot of money if you have access to free firewood. This just might be the home heating solution you need to keep you warm through winter.
Written by APM Construction Services, a construction and home maintenance company that is the best choice for heating and cooling in Columbia, MO.