Just as motorists are dismayed by high prices at the pump, homeowners must cope with the escalating cost of heating oil. As the cost of fuel rises, many people are searching for ways to reduce heating costs by cutting consumption– without freezing to death. One option some consumers have turned to is wood heat, but how good of a solution is it? Can a wood stove be an efficient and cost-effective heating source? It can, but it depends largely on your individual situation and needs.
The Drawbacks of a Wood Stove
Let’s start by looking at the drawbacks of wood heat. First, as is the case when burning any solid fuel, using a wood stove produces smoke. The possible adverse effects of this smoke on the environment have been debated, and some cities and other local governments have placed bans and restrictions on burning wood, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing a stove. There are also individual building codes to consider.
Secondly, wood can be a labor intensive heating source, as the wood needs to be chopped and split to size, stacked for storage, and hauled inside. Alternatively, you can buy wood that is already chopped and split, and pay someone to deliver and stack it, but that may offset the gains of supplementing your heating system to begin with. If these issues present a problem for you, your situation may be better suited to an alternative heating source, such as solar or geothermal heat.
Who Wood Stoves Are Best For
On the other hand, if burning wood is allowed in your community, and you don’t mind putting a little elbow grease into heating your home, wood heat may be for you. Depending on the size and type you choose, a wood stove can heat areas up to five thousand square feet, and they are relatively cheap, starting at around $800. As long as you have access to an affordable source of firewood, this initial investment can pay for itself in savings on your heating bill. Wood is also a renewable energy source, so it helps to sustain the environment and conserve precious fossil fuel resources. Plus, a wood stove provides the added benefit of that crackling fire sound, which can create a calming ambience in your home.
There are a few types of stove to choose from. The right choice for you – standard versus decorative, indoor versus outdoor – will depend on the size and physical layout of your home, your heating needs and individual preference. Whichever you choose, heating with wood is an excellent option for reducing your heating bill without sacrificing comfort.