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Different Fuel Types

Stoves are available in three main fuel type options: gas stoves, pellet stoves, and high-efficiency wood-burning. Deciding what is the best fuel source for you can be challenging. Worry not! We have put together the advantages and disadvantages of wood-burning, gas, and pellet stoves to help you make the right choice for you.

Gas Stoves

ProsGas Stove

  • Gas stoves are extremely convenient, as all you have to do is to press a button to start a fire. Remote controls can even operate some models.
  • The fire produced by a gas-fueled stove emits fewer toxins than a fire fueled with wood.
  • They are low maintenance, as you do not have to clean up the mess that occurs with a wood-burning stove.

Cons

  • If there is no natural gas connection to your home, this kind of stove cannot be set at your place.
  • It’s hard to budget your heating costs because the price of natural gas tends to fluctuate.
  • A gas flame will never accurately resemble a wood-burning fire because of the appearance, smells, and sounds of a wood fire.

Pellet Stoves

ProsPellet Stove

  • Pellet stoves are the most environmentally-friendly model. They are made from recycled sawdust and wood shavings. Tightly compacted pellets burn much cleaner than firewood.
  • The cost of pellets is relatively inexpensive. Plus, people tend to notice lower heating costs when using a pellet stove as a heating appliance.
  • Very easy to operate; you simply open the hopper, pour some pellets inside the hopper, and then turn on the stove.

Cons

  • Because pellet stoves rely on electricity to operate, if there is a power outage, you will be without heat until the electricity is restored.
  • Although pellet stoves are cheaper to operate, they usually cost more than the other two types of stoves.
  • Burning pellets leave a mess behind, so the cleaning involved may not be what you want to do on a regular basis.

Wood-Burning Stoves

ProsWood-Burning Stove

  • You can find wood-burning stoves that are certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on emissions testing.
  • Firewood is relatively cheap, particularly if you cut and dry it yourself.
  • A wood-burning stove does not need gas or electricity to operate.

Cons

  • Having to bring firewood in from outside can be a tiresome chore.
  • Firewood usually requires a large area for storage – usually outside of your home.
  • Steady use needs a continuous supply of wood chips or other biomass, even every four hours.

Want to learn more about stoves, or want to buy a new stove in Colorado? Contact Hi-Tech Appliance today!

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