When planning your selection of a heating appliance two important factors must be considered. The first of these is the fuel you wish to burn: wood, pellets or gas (natural gas or propane).

Wood Stoves - Wood is the traditional fuel for stoves and fireplaces. Wood creates a hot and cheerful fire. If you are thinking about wood as a fuel, consider that you will need a reliable source of quality cordwood.

Pellet Stoves - Wood pellet stoves are an alternative way to heat a home. The stoves use wood pellets, which look exactly like rabbit food, and are made out of dried recycled compressed sawdust from lumber mills that otherwise ends up in landfills. They were invented in the 1980s and were popular for a while then declined some in the late 90s but since 9/11 have made a big comeback. The industry for stove manufactures, pellet distribution and stove technology has greatly matured and is nationwide.

Wood pellet stoves have a number of advantages over normal wood stoves. Because the stoves are so efficient, there is almost no smoke or creosote produced, in fact the exhaust is barely even hot so the stove doesn't need a masonry chimney and can be installed anywhere a tin metal liner can be put in, either directly into the roof, or sideways out a wall. They can be stand-alone stoves on legs in the corner of a room, or chimney inserts using an existing chimney. Unlike wood stoves, pellet stoves work well in urban environments because of little exhaust and no need for a chimney and can be installed in any room.

Gas - Gas is a reliable and easy to use fuel which will provide a fire every bit as lovely as a wood fire. Gas appliances have the advantage of using a thermostat to regulate the temperature in the home, providing hands-off heating. If you choose gas for your fuel, you will need to ensure your home is plumbed for natural gas or have propane (LP) gas service established.

The second factor to consider is whether you wish to purchase a freestanding stove (available for woodor gas fuel), a fireplace insert (also available for wood or gas fuel) or a fireplace (available for gas fuel only).

Freestanding stoves have the benefit of providing radiant heat from all sides as well as natural and fan assisted convection of warm air. Freestanding stoves are generally the easiest appliance to install because they can be placed almost anywhere in a home.

Fireplace inserts provide an attractive way to upgrade an existing masonry or steel wood-burning fireplace into an efficient, heat source. Inserts can burn wood or gas fuel. Gas inserts require a natural or LP gas connection into the fireplace. All inserts require a flue liner running the length of the existing chimney.

A fireplace is always a centerpiece for a room. Gas fireplaces are efficient heaters and have a realistic, dancing fire. Because of the additional construction required to enclose a fireplace and the chimney, fireplaces require more planning and alteration to the home.

Gas Logs