What is better and more economical than a wood burning fireplace? gas, electric or pellet?

Question

We currently have a wood burning fireplace. We would like to get an insert. Any suggestions as to electric or gas or pellet? What are the pros or cons? Cost? Installer? DIY?

Answer 1

If you choose pellet, use good quality pellets or you'll pay more in the long run on having the unit cleaned than you saved buying cheap pellets. Quiet and beautiful flames. The big bags of pellets are a con.

If you can do gas, I'd go with that. As long as the unit is outdoors. I knew someone who bought a $2000 gas heater and once it was installed, he realized it stunk the whole house up with a kerosene-like smell. Ugh And it was noisy too.

Answer 2

If you intend to use your furnace along with the fireplace a direct vent type would be the best choice, it is the only one that uses outside air for combustion and you have the earth craft rating as a resale point. Unless you install a blower system with the pellet stove you are not gaining as much as you think. For every 1 cubic foot of flame between 18 and 24 cubic feet of heated air are being used for combustion. The electric units have came a long ways in looks but still most people dont like them. The cost for a direct vent installed is about 1100.00 and up. the pellet is about the same and the electrics start at about 700.00 (the non home depot units) For a installer find the manufacturer you want and they will have a list of authorized dealers/installers on there web site.

Answer 3

Gas is more convenient, less work, less pollutants and if you get a ventless fireplace, nearly 100% efficient (no heat loss up the chimney). However, wood gives off a pleasant aroma and has a soothing sound while burning. Sometimes, people opt for wood stoves which gives the pleasant scent, has an efficient furnace, but offers less sound ambiance, but the tradeoff is a huge stove in the room. Consider all the advantages, disadvantages and what you would like before investing.

Answer 4

It depends on what you have for a furnace. If you have a 90+ efficient gas furnace you are never going to match that with a fireplace. On any fireplace most of your heat is going up your chimney. If you get an insert make sure you get a blower to get as much heat as you can out of the unit. The blowers cost more than they should but they are worth it.

Answer 5

i have used a pellet stove for years. no smell in the house. the ashes that have collected amount to about 2 coffee cans full each winter. pellets are easier to handle than wood. just open the bag and toss them in. no cutting or hauling wood. i love mine and hope to get another for the living room. only drawback i know of it the cost of the stove . they start at about 1200.00.

Answer 6

corn is a good way to go too. however with the useage of these its driving the price of corn up. if you live in corn area, become friends with a farmer who has dryer, like i did, i buy corn for half of what it would cost anywhere else. prices for the stoves range from 500.00 to past a couple thousand, depending what your looking for. i installed my own with little problems.