Heating is an essential requirement for residential spaces. It maintains a liveable cosy environment, especially during winter. Unfortunately, the cost of heating is relatively high, and many people are keen to minimise how much they spend. Here is a closer look at the most affordable heating option.
Gas and firewood are the two most popular fuels for heating. Gas is fairly new and has some unique advantages over firewood. For example, burning gas produces fewer emissions. As a result, gas fireplaces don't have a flue system. Furthermore, the gas ignites faster than wood allowing electric ignition and automatic controls. On the other hand, wood-burning fireplaces require a chimney system. Furthermore, starting up the fireplace takes a bit of time, and some options use gas to ignite the firewood. Nonetheless, there are clear differences in how much you would spend installing and operating gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
Installation
The design of wood-burning fireplaces is quite simple. The fireplace has a firebox, ventilation system, flue and a safety screen or door. Modern designs incorporate fans in the ventilation system to improve air circulation and heat distribution. On the other hand, gas fireplaces have a simple burner in the firebox, an ignition system and some controls to adjust the intensity of the heat. The fireplace also has a ventilation system. The difference in design between wood-burning and gas fireplaces make the latter a cheaper option. Most of the cost is saved on the lack of a flue system.
However, size also determines the cost of purchase and installation. Large fireplaces cost more than smaller units. Another element that determines price is the design. Freestanding fireplaces are often cheaper than in-built wall burners.
Efficiency
How well a fireplace burns fuel has an impact on the operation cost. A highly-efficient system means you spend less on fuel for the same heat output. Gas heaters have a higher efficiency rating compared to wood-burning stoves. However, both units are good at keeping heat losses to a minimum. The fireplaces incorporate unique design elements that maximise heat production and distribution. For example, the firebox is designed from materials with good thermal performance, and the entire unit is insulated to minimise heat losses.
Cost of fuel
Natural gas is an inexpensive fuel. On average, gas costs 15c per kWh, and most household spend between $630 and $1,800 annually to settle their gas bills. This is approximately half the cost of using electricity for heating.
Firewood, on the other hand, has an annual cost of $800 to $2,000, depending on the space size and use hours. Furthermore, users can minimise costs by sourcing their firewood. Therefore, it's difficult to determine the cheaper fuel source since it depends on how you source it.
Overall, gas fireplaces are cheaper to install and operate. Furthermore, they are more versatile and fit well in any house design. On the other hand, wood burners have better heat performance and a unique aesthetic appeal. Nonetheless, the ultimate choice boils down to individual preference.
