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Lets help you narrow it down​,
which fuel do you prefer?
(Please click one of the following images to continue.)
- Positives
- They’re easy to use: ignites at the push of a button. No kindling or tending to the fire required.
- Cleaning is a breeze. There’s no creosote buildup and less ash volume compared to wood.
- Bags are easier to transport, handle and stack.
- Pellets take up less storage space than firewood.
- You have greater temperature control. Turn a thermostat dial to get the perfect temperature.
- They’re eco-friendly because there’s very little air pollution. Pellets burn cleaner than wood.
- Negatives
- It’s expensive to maintain compared to firewood and needs more upkeep than a fireplace.
- It needs a backup system like batteries or electricity to run in case of a power outage.
- Positives
- Gas stoves require little maintenance, usually consisting of a yearly check-up
- There is little to no cleaning needed as gas stoves produce no ash or creosote.
- Gas stoves are very efficient, and can start producing heat immediately upon being turned on.
- Negatives
- Natural gas prices fluctuate frequently
- If the area you live in does not support the piping of natural gas (Like Lake County), using propane can be tedious and expensive.
- Positives
- The net fuel cost is cheaper than heating oil, natural gas, or coal.
- Fuel is widely available, renewable, and sustainable.
- With proper engineering, wood-burning systems emit fewer pollutants into the air than coal and oil.
- Negatives
- Wood systems require more space to store bulky fuel.
- Waste ash that remains after burning needs proper, safe disposal.
- Most sealed fireplaces require some electricity to operate circulating fans.
- Pros
- Electric fireplaces are very space efficient, not requiring a chimney or venting.
- Electric fireplaces are the cheapest option, with the fuel being inexpensive, and the maintenance being very minimal.
- Electric fireplaces have much more control over how much heat they output, very similar to an electric heater.
- Electric fireplaces are much safer, have much less of a chance of causing a fire. They also do not create the toxic emissions produced by other fuel types.
- Cons
- Electric heaters are not designed to heat large spaces, and produce less heat than other fuel types.
- Electric heaters do not provide the ambience of your regular fireplaces. They have a flame that appears very fake and do not make the same sounds that a fire would normally make.
- Electric heaters can be dangerous when attached to an older or overloaded a circuit, and can blow a fuse or cause other technical difficulties.
- If a power outage was to take place, you would not be able to use these to heat your home.
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