The Ultimate Guide to Wood Burning Heaters: Pros, Cons, and What You Should Know

Wood burning heaters are a growing trend, particularly in colder climates. Wood heaters are great for adding warmth and character to your home, but it can also be expensive in the long run if you don’t do your research. The costs of installation and fuel are two factors you should consider before making this type of purchase. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of time you spend there, investing in a wood burning heater may not be worth it for you. In this article, we identify the pros and cons of investing in a wood heater as well as what to look out for when purchasing one.

Know the Basics

Before you make a decision on whether to purchase a wood heater, you should understand a few basics. The following are some key components of wood heaters. Burn Rate – The rate at which your wood heater burns fuel can have a significant impact on the amount of money that you spend on it. Some fuel sources, such as anthracite, are more expensive than others, such as coal. This can result in significant cost differences over a single heating season. Knowing the rate at which your particular brand of wood burns can help you better manage your fuel budget. Efficiency – Another thing you should look for when purchasing a heater is its level of efficiency. This can vary based on your model and brand, but efficient units can help reduce the amount of fuel that you need to heat your home. A cheaply made heater that isn’t very efficient can end up costing you more than a more expensive, efficient model. Heat Output – This can vary depending on the type of wood that you use in your heater. You can typically find this information by reading reviews on different models. Knowing the amount of heat that you can expect to get from your unit can help you better plan your home heating schedule.

Wood Heater Installation Costs

One of the things that you’ll also need to think about is the cost of installing your unit. This is particularly important if you’re installing a wood burning unit in an existing home. While this information varies based on the specific type of installation, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for an installation. You may, however, be eligible for a grant from the government to offset the installation costs. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a grant program offered by the Rural Utilities Service that may be able to help you pay for the installation. If you’re planning to install a unit in a new home, you’ll likely need to budget for this cost.

Types of Wood Heaters

Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a wood heater, there are a few different types that you can choose from. Convection – This is a popular choice because it’s both efficient and great at heating a large room. Convection wood heaters work by blowing the heat that they generate upward and outwards. This allows the heat to spread throughout an entire room, making it an ideal choice if you have a larger home. This type of wood heater can be ideal if you’re looking to supplement your existing heating system with a wood burning unit. Radiant – This is another common choice among homeowners. Like the convection unit, this type of wood heater can be great for larger rooms. The difference between the two is that radiant units focus the heat on one specific area. This can be helpful for areas of your home that you want to keep particularly warm, such as a den or living room. Wood burning heater

Pros of Wood Heaters

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of wood heaters, you can make a more informed decision on whether they’re right for your home. Here are some of the most notable advantages of investing in a wood heater. Eco-Friendly – Wood heaters are an eco-friendly choice that can help to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re looking for an energy source that doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gasses, this can be a great option for you. Versatility – Another advantage of investing in a wood heater is the versatility that it offers. Once you’ve purchased and installed your unit, you can use it year round. This can come in handy during the colder winter months when other types of fuel sources may struggle to keep up with your heating needs. Cost-Effective – If you purchase the right model, a wood heater can be cost-effective for homeowners. Unlike some other fuel sources, the cost of wood doesn’t spike wildly during certain seasons or in certain areas. This can make it a more reliable and consistent choice for your home heating needs.

Cons of Wood Heaters

While wood heaters can be an ideal choice for some homeowners, they may not be right for every situation. When making your decision, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages of investing in a wood heater. Safety – Like all types of fire, wood heaters can pose a safety risk if they’re not installed or maintained correctly. You should always follow the installation instructions and make sure that your unit is in good working order to minimize these risks. Air Quality – This can vary depending on how you use your unit, but wood heaters do emit some harmful pollutants. This can be particularly problematic if you have a unit that’s located in a small room or if you don’t maintain it properly. Cost – Wood heaters do come with a significant up-front cost. You’ll need to purchase the unit itself as well as pay for the necessary installation. Depending on where you live and the type of unit that you choose, these costs can be significant.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read through our ultimate guide to wood burning heaters, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision. Wood heaters can be a great choice for homeowners who want to supplement their existing heating system or use eco-friendly fuel. Once you’ve decided to invest in a wood heater, you’ll need to decide which type is right for your home. You can do this by keeping the advantages and disadvantages of each unit in mind, and then weighing your specific needs and financial situation.

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