8Sep
A Look at the Differences Between These Two Home Heating Options
With chilly weather fast approaching, now is the time to consider heating options for your home. If you’re interested in installing a gas or wood stove, there are several characteristics of each you should consider to help make the best choice for you and your home. Contact the experts in wood and gas stoves in Ottawa for more information about specific stove models and installation.
Combustion Efficiency Vs. Heat Transfer Efficiency
Combustion efficiency refers to the amount of fuel that is turned into heat via combustion, instead of ash, steam, or vapor. This is measured by the amount of fuel needed to create heat and the amount of waste created in the process.
Heat transfer efficiency refers to the amount of heat that radiates (transfers) throughout the rooms in your home. Since stoves typically create more heat during combustion than the amount that transfers throughout your home, it is important to consider these two efficiency characteristics when comparing stoves.
Gas Stoves
Gas stoves in Ottawa hook up to the same gas line that fuels your home appliances. Although gas is typically more expensive than wood as a fuel source, it is still cheaper than electricity. Gas stoves have excellent combustion and heat transfer efficiency, so heating your home with a gas stove is still a better option than relying on electric baseboard heating.
The heat exchangers on gas stoves prevent any heat loss while efficiently transferring heat throughout your home. These stoves are also well-insulated, ensuring excellent heat efficiency and retention for extended periods of time. Although typically more expensive, gas stoves are worth the price for the amount heat emitted and dispersed throughout the home.
Wood Stoves
Wood stoves offer sufficient heat for a more centralized location in your home. However, if the power goes out, wood stoves will still heat your home, whereas gas stoves will only work if they don’t require power for the gas source.
Wood is also a cheaper fuel source than gas—and is often free if you have access to it on your property. Although wood stoves are more combustion efficient than heat transfer efficient, they are certainly worth it if you don’t have to spend a lot (or any) on firewood.
While both are excellent heating sources, the best one for you and your home will depend on your preference for cost and fuel type. Gas may be a more convenient option since you don’t have to go out and buy or chop firewood, but it is more costly. However, when it comes to heat transfer efficiency, gas stoves are an ideal option, especially if your home’s initial heating source is electric.
If you have access to firewood on your property or have a cheap firewood supplier, wood stoves are much cheaper to fuel. The experts in wood and gas stoves in Ottawa will help you find the best option to heat your home so you and your family are comfortable and cozy all winter long.