Nothing can replace the appealing aroma and pleasing warmth produced by a wood fire. The heat from a gas fire pales in comparison to a wooden fire. Propane or natural gas can not produce the same heat as a wood fire and a gas fire will not have the same pleasant aroma as a wood fire. While you can see stove installations here, these are the two choices to safely warm your home with fire: a wood-burning stove or a fireplace.
What Is a Wood-Burning Stove?
A wood-burning stove is a household appliance that burns wood to produce heat which is used to heat a home or dwelling. Wood-burning stoves safely contain the fire and there is a significant difference between the construction of a fireplace and a wood-burning stove. A fireplace, usually made of stone or bricks, is constructed as an addition to the structure of a house, while a wood-burning stove is a standalone appliance including numerous pre-fabricated parts. The main parts of a wood-burning stove are the firebox, chimney, and ventilation pipe.
The main component of a wood-burning stove is the firebox which contains the burning wood. The chimney is connected to the firebox with the help of a ventilation pipe, which is a hollow pipe. The function of the ventilation pipe is similar to a flue in a fireplace. The ventilation pipe connects the firebox to the chimney from which the smoke escapes and fresh air enters.
What Is A Fireplace?
A fireplace safely contains a fire including a large ventilated structure to keep a home warm. Fireplaces are constructed with temperature-resistant materials such as stones or bricks so that fireplaces can withstand high temperatures for long periods. Some fireplaces have the option to insert wood on the inside of the fireplace, referred to as a firebox, which can be ignited to start a fire. A hollow flue connected to a chimney becomes a necessary addition with a firebox so that fresh air can enter through the chimney and flue and also let the smoke discharge without getting into the house.
Advantages Of A Wood-Burning Stove
A wood-burning stove is much more efficient at producing heat from wood in comparison to a fireplace. HETAS Approved wood-burning stoves have an energy efficiency of about 70%. This means that 70% of the wooden fuel is converted into heat. Compare that to the energy efficiency of a fireplace which is roughly between 20% to 25%.
A wood-burning stove is much easier to maintain in comparison to a fireplace and also safer because there is no way the fire could escape. After all, it is enclosed behind a glass door.
Advantages Of A Fireplace
A productively designed fireplace can help decrease homeowner’s dependence on their central heating system. A wooden fireplace can help turn cold and frigid surroundings into a much more warm and cosy ambiance. A properly installed fireplace can help increase the property value of a home because the home helps to save money on the central heating system. Residents might occasionally need to use the central heating system in exceptionally cold weather but this is an additional benefit for the residents living in that piece of property.
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