Heating with wood is generally more aesthetically pleasing than oil, gas, or electric heating, which lack the scent and coziness that firewood provides. But when it comes to deciding between whether a wood burning fireplace or wood burning stove is better for you, you need to consider heating efficiency, safety, cost, and aesthetics.
Safety: “Safety first” is a principle that must be applied whether you are using a fireplace or a wood burning stove. In fireplaces, you must constantly supervise the flames and install a damper door to control the speed of the burning. The creosote build-up in the chimney must be addressed, as it can lead to a house fire. Fireplaces emit smoke and fumes if not properly cleaned. On the other hand, wood-burning stoves are enclosed with a glass door, which prevents flying sparks and smoke emissions. This causes the stove to become incredibly hot, which poses a risk of serious burns to anyone who accidentally touches it. Additionally, while most people are aware of the high temperatures of fireplaces, many are less apt to know to keep their fingers away from a stove. There seems to be less danger of a fire caused by accumulated creosote in stoves, as opposed to fireplaces.
Efficiency: Wood stoves are simply more efficient than fireplaces when it comes to providing heat and warmth because they are closed. Open chimneys allow a huge amount of the heat to escape, and when they are not in use, cold air could still find its way into your home through the chimney.
Aesthetic: When it comes to visual appeal, nothing is more pleasant than the look, the feeling, and the fragrance of a fireplace with a rustic or classic architectural design. Sitting before a fireplace on a cold night or during a family gathering will give you a cozy, happy feeling that no other source of heating can quite match. Although wood stoves come in different designs and colors and some find the look appealing, others consider them to be unattractive metal boxes that ruin the decoration of the room, especially when not in use.
Cost: Both fireplaces and stoves have a wide price range that varies greatly depending on the quality and required installation. If you are merely going to replace an old fireplace unit with a newly fabricated one, the cost will be far less than building a chimney from scratch, which necessitates greater construction and materials. Still, even repairing a chimney can cost a lot of money. Wood stoves can still cause you to dig deep into your wallet, as the unit themselves cost between $2,500 and $4,000, and this does not include the costs of installation and ventilation.
While both fireplaces and stoves have their distinct pros and cons, we hope that this blog gives you a good idea to decide what would work best for your needs. As the homeowner—the decision is ultimately yours. Contact us today at Clean Sweep for help making the right decision according to your needs and budget. Whether it’s a fireplace or wood stove, we carry a large assortment of chimney and wood stoves and can offer you experienced, professional staff to provide advice and installation.