When it comes to fireplace fuel, it’s not about which fuel is best, but which is best for you. Many homeowners prefer one fuel over others due to accessibility, cost, and convenience. We certainly have our favorites, but it’s our goal to match you with the best possible product for your home, your family, and your specific needs. The industry and market have reached a place where it truly comes down to the fuel. You can have a fireplace or stove of any style and efficiency—but will it be a wood, gas, or pellet unit?
Wood Fires
Wood-burning units are still a favorite among homeowners because of the beautiful flame and high heat output the fireplaces, stoves, and inserts offer. Homeowners with wooded property can cut and store their own firewood. Those with less accessibility may need to purchase their firewood from a local supplier. This can become a hassle and is the reason why many homeowners end up converting to pellet or gas fire units. Also, although wood-burning units are more efficient than ever, wood fires still burn less efficiently than gas or pellet fires. They add more pollution to the environment, require more chimney maintenance, and require more work in general lighting fires, disposing of ash, and finding properly seasoned firewood.
Pellet Fires
For the homeowners who love the look and feel of wood fires, the pellet fireplace may be right for you. Pellets are made of recycled wood products and burn efficiently and completely. Pellet units are high-efficiency units and more convenient than wood-burning units because you don’t have to mess with kindling and matches to light. Pellet stoves and fireplaces have an ignitor that immediately lights the pellets, then the fire is continuously fed by a hopper filled with pellets. This allows for all the heat of a wood fire, but with the convenient light and consistent temperature of a gas fire. Because pellets are made of organic materials, they still produce soot and creosote which will need to be cleaned from the chimney periodically. However, pellets burn more completely than wood, and you’ll never have to wonder if the pellets are properly seasoned.
Gas Fires
The most efficient fuel type for fireplaces, inserts, and stoves is natural gas. Gas offers freedom to the homeowner not possible with other fuel types. Your gas unit can be installed anywhere, depending on the type and ventilation requirements. It burns cleanly and requires the least maintenance of any fuel type or product. Gas units can be used in small spaces like hotels, condos, apartments, and bedrooms. They can be open flames or completely closed units that use blowers and radiant heat to heat the space in your home. Gas fireplaces and stoves are ideal for zone heating and may not be best as a primary heat source. There aren’t a lot of reasons to choose wood or pellets over gas, though they can result in some issues, especially when installed incorrectly.
If you’re ready to choose a new fire unit for you home, stop in so that a Comfort Consultant can help you decide which is best for you. Stop in at 116-Q Research Dr today.