When it comes to keeping warm, homeowners often face the dilemma of choosing between electric and wood heating system. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and deciding the better option can be overwhelming.
Here is a breakdown of the two that can help you pick what suits your needs.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are ideal for people looking for flexibility and affordability. They also require little maintenance. However, they are expensive to run and do not generate a lot of heat.
Pros
- Affordability – electric heaters have a lower upfront price than wood fireplaces.
- Easy installation – once you purchase an electric heater, you can get it running by plugging it into a socket.
- Efficiency – all the energy produced gets circulated into the room.
- Flexibility – most electric heaters are portable and can fit in any room.
- Low maintenance – the lack of moving parts and residue from burning wood means that electric heaters require little maintenance.
Cons
- High running costs – although they are cheaper to purchase, electric heaters need a continuous supply of power. This means that you incur charges every time to switch on the system.
- Low heat output – electric heaters do not generate a lot of heat, making them useless in large rooms.
- Unrealistic flames – unlike wood, electric heaters do not produce realistic flames. This feature is only available in high-end models.
Wood Heaters
The production of realistic flames is one of the leading reasons why some people have wood fireplaces in their homes. On the downside, they can be quite cumbersome to operate and hurt the environment.
Pros
- Realistic flames – the natural appearance of the flames produced by burning wood is attractive and adds style to any space.
- Multiple fuel options – besides logs, you can use pellets and wood chips.
- Low running costs – wood is relatively cheap as compared to other fuels.
Cons
- Installation – you need to pay a professional to install a wood heater in your home.
- Maintenance – the smoke, ash, and soot produced by burning wood mean that these units require regular maintenance.
- Storage space – wood requires a substantial amount of storage space.
- Environmental concerns – wood is sourced from cutting trees, an activity that affects the environment. Also, these appliances produce smoke, which hurts the quality of air in the surrounding.
- Expensiveness – purchasing a wood heater is costlier than obtaining an electric equivalent.
Which is Better?
As seen above, electric heaters have more advantages than their wood-powered equivalents. They are cheaper to buy, easier to install, and offer more flexibility. However, they produce a low amount of heat and can only work effectively in small spaces. You also need to pay monthly electricity bills.
On the other hand, wood heaters can serve as the focal point of a room because of the beautiful nature of their flames. Wood is also cheaper and more accessible than electricity, especially in rural areas. On the downside, they require a lot of maintenance. You also need to construct a storage unit for the logs. Ultimately, the choice lies with you. Choose the option that suits your style and preferences.
Read Also:
