Which to Choose: Wood Fireplace or Wood Stove?
There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a roaring wood-burning fire, but when it comes to bringing that warmth indoors, homeowners can get hung up on whether to choose a wood fireplace or a wood stove. We’ve broken down the benefits of each option to help make your decision a little bit easier, so you can enjoy the warmth of a wood fire sooner.
Aesthetics
Whether you choose to go with a wood fireplace or a wood stove, you’ll get to enjoy the tranquillity and warmth that comes with a wood-burning fire, but if appearances are your priority, you may want to go with a fireplace. Not only does the open front of a fireplace make the flames a focal point, but the masonry and design of the hearth and mantle add another dimension of warmth and ambiance to any room. That being said, wood-burning stoves can add rustic charm to a room as well, and if you aren’t looking for your fireplace to be the focal point of the room, they might be the right choice for your home.
Efficiency
Although wood is one of the least expensive fuel sources, it’s no secret that open wood-burning fireplaces are not the most efficient heat sources as a lot of their heat gets lost up the chimney. When compared to open wood-burning fireplaces, wood-burning stoves can provide three times the amount of heat with only a third of the firewood. This is why we carry high efficiency closed-door wood fireplaces in our showroom, as they provide far more heat than their open unit counterparts. Wood stoves are an excellent way to supplement your current heating system, and if you’re looking to get up-close-and-personal, a closed-door wood fireplace can do the trick too.
Environment
Many people are surprised to learn that burning wood is actually carbon neutral, so wood-burning heat sources are environmentally friendly. So, whether you choose to go with a wood fireplace or a wood stove, you won’t be harming the environment. Wood stoves have a closed combustion system, which means they tend to produce fewer emissions, and they’re more efficient, so you can burn less wood.
Safety
One of the biggest concerns we hear from homeowners deciding between wood fireplaces and stoves is about their safety. The primary concern with any wood-burning heat source is carbon monoxide. Generally it is best not to use open wood fireplaces on extremely windy days because the draft can push the emissions back down the chimney, so that is why we always recommend closed-door options to our customers. These highly-efficient fireplaces eliminate the risk of smoke and CO2 being blown back into the home in the event of a strong downdraft, with the ability to shut the door between your home and the crackling fire. Wood stoves can always stay closed once the fire is lit, so the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is reduced even more so in the stove units we carry.
Whether you’re interested in a wood fireplace or a wood stove,
Harding The Fireplace has the unit you’re looking for!
Harding The Fireplace has Ottawa’s fireplace needs covered with over 4,500 square feet of retail showroom stocked with the brands you know and love. Our knowledgeable staff is here to work with you to find quality products that suit your lifestyle.
For more tips and to be the first to hear about our latest promotions,
follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.