The wood stove alternatives to standard oil and gas heating processes are considerably cheaper. Although oil prices have declined, many people are still fascinated by the environmental and economic possibilities of these traditional heat sources.
What Are The Wood Stove Pros And Cons?
So, what are the wood stove pros and cons? Let’s explore further in this article.
Pros Of Wood Stoves
Efficiency
Wood stoves have been built to be the most efficient. Manufacturers need to comply with stricter emission requirements, and thus, the main method to do this is by increasing the efficiency of their stoves.
Wooden stoves are significantly more efficient than conventional open wood burning fireplaces.
The EPA notes that wood burning fireplaces can be as efficient as 10 percent (more about the efficiency of the open chimney), which means that a large amount of open fire heat might be lost on the chimney rather than heating your home.
One of the primary advantages of wood burning stoves is thus the considerably more efficient wood stoves, which means:
- It can create more heat.
- Less emission.
- Longer fires and lower fire preservation.
More Monitoring
Wood stoves allow you to regulate the speed and effectiveness of burning a fire in a stove and the amount of heat generated.
A major disadvantage of the old open fireplaces is that air movement through the fireplace and upstream of the fireplace can’t be readily regulated.
Wood fireplaces offer an enclosed atmosphere where the air supply may be controlled entirely via the air vents.
The fire may be slowed by regulating both the fuel in the furnace and air to produce more heat from each piece of wood.
You can adjust the airflow to the flames as well. The wood furnace also helps delay the way the air leaves the firebox rapidly.
If waste gases are kept inside the firebox for longer and at higher pressure by combustion of the wood, then these gasses can be burned to create even more heat via a process known as secondary burning.
Consume Less Wood
Wood combustion stoves offer more capacity to build efficient and lengthy fireplaces than typical open fireplaces and help minimize the fuel required.
A decrease in the firewood content is helpful in:
- Reduce the firewood needed for all fires.
- Lengthen the duration using the same amount of firewood for each fire.
- Reduce the cost of fuel over the stove’s lifespan.
- Reduce the pace of consuming your firewood supply so more fires are available and central heating expenditures can be saved.
No Power Required
Compared with other fireplaces, such as fireplaces and pellet furniture, wood burning furniture does not need a power supply for functioning.
This implies that even with power interruptions, you may assist heat your house.
Wood stoves need no power source because the complete stove works automatically after the start of a fire. However, through the flow from the oven, hot air will cause the fuel to smoke and other hazardous particles out of the house and pull additional air into the stove to fuel the fire.
Cons Of Wood Stoves
Cost
In most situations, the main drawback with a wood furnace is the cost of purchasing the stove.
The cheapest of equipment is not the wood burning stoves. E.g., our own wood fireplaces and fuel stoves cost little over $1000 and $1500.
However, we used stoves from recognized manufacturers, which were rather costly. Wood stoves don’t have to cost much, but if you want to get a large stove, you may have to pay a premium if you’re going to heat a more significant area or a particularly efficient stove from a meaningful brand.
Hot Body
Another drawback is that the wood burning process may get quite hot.
A wood stove is hot as its body absorbs the fire heat and radiates it out into the room.
You should be careful of having a wood stove in your house because it gets quite hot during operation, which is not ideal if you have young children or pets.
Although initial costs might appear very costly for a wood burning stove, the money can be recovered with a stove through time.
Below is a table outlining What Are The Wood Stove Pros And Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | – Excellent heat output | – Requires constant monitoring to maintain efficiency |
| – Warms a large area | – Initial high cost and installation expenses | |
| Cost of Fuel | – Wood is a renewable and often cost-effective fuel | – Regular expenses for purchasing or chopping wood |
| – Availability of free or low-cost wood in some areas | – Storage space required for wood supply | |
| Environmental Impact | – Carbon-neutral when using sustainably sourced wood | – Emission of pollutants, including particulate matter |
| – Can contribute to reduced reliance on fossil fuels | ||
| Ambiance and Aesthetics | – Creates a cozy and rustic atmosphere | – Requires effort for lighting and maintaining a fire |
| Independence from Grid | – Provides heat during power outages | – Limited heating capacity during prolonged outages |
| Cooking Capability | – Some models can be used for cooking | – Limited cooking surface compared to dedicated stoves |
| Maintenance | – Simple maintenance with regular cleaning | – Accumulation of creosote, requiring chimney cleaning |
Example Calculation: Cost of Fuel
Let’s assume you purchase a cord of wood for $200, and this provides enough fuel for the entire winter season. If the winter season lasts for 4 months, the monthly cost of wood fuel would be $50 ($200 / 4 months).
Example Calculation: Heating Efficiency
Suppose you have a wood stove with an efficiency rating of 80%. If the stove burns 10 logs per hour, each log providing 20,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units), the effective heat output would be 160,000 BTUs per hour (80% of 10 logs * 20,000 BTUs).
These calculations are simplified examples, and actual costs and efficiency can vary based on factors such as the type of wood, stove model, insulation in the home, and local climate conditions.
FAQs
What size am I supposed to have?
The size of a wood stove can range between 3 and 15 (kW). The choice of the right stove relies on the size of the room and how well your home is properly insulated. A basic thumb rule is to increase the space by meters in height, breadth, and length, divided by 14 (kW per m3).
You may get a more miniature stove if your house is very well insulated and costs less wood and is, therefore, less expensive to use. Also, all furnaces have a grade of efficiency. Thus the higher the efficiency, the better the heat is produced.
Is my house ideal for a wood stove?
It is vital to verify your property, as with other renewables sources; the technology is acceptable before starting. There are two main factors when contemplating a wood-burning biomass system:
- You can burn only fuel with dry seasoning wood.
- Make sure you do not dwell in an area with smoke control.
Conclusion (What Are The Wood Stove Pros And Cons)
That’s all we have to tell about the wood stove pros and cons. All in all, wood stoves are great for heating and give the family a pleasant atmosphere in their living areas. Wood fuel is a cheap low-carbon heat source, environmentally beneficial, and an ecologically favorable option. However, you always have to ensure that your home is not in a smoke control area before you do this.
