The Pros and Cons of Heating with Wood
Wood heat has a charm and simplicity that other heating methods can’t quite match. Wood heat is affordable, sustainable, lowers humidity and offers an ambience that can’t be beat! For many, the glow of a fire is worth the extra effort. For others, the work involved may outweigh the benefits. The main downside to wood heat are chores. For example: Firewood needs to be processed and the fire needs to be tended. Here’s an honest look at the upsides and downsides so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your space.
Pros
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Cozy, dry heat that works well even in cold, damp climates
- Reduces moisture and mold issues in small spaces
- Fuel is inexpensive or free
- Works during power outages and in off-grid locations
- Can burn alternative solid fuels like coal, compressed logs, or charcoal
- Simple technology means no finicky parts to break
Cons
- Requires regular tending
- Can be challenging to maintain steady heat
- The occasional smell of wood smoke can bother some
- Mess - brings in bark and dirt with firewood and produces ash to clean out
- Subject to local air quality regulations, certifications, and possible burn bans
Why choose wood heat?
Comfort and Ambiance
A wood stove is more than a heat source. It’s a gathering spot, a visual focal point, and a source of comfort. The warmth on your skin, the crackle of the fire, and the way the light dances on the walls create an atmosphere you’d never get from a furnace or space heater. Plus wood heat is a dry heat so, unlike propane, it can help mitigate humidity and mold issues common to small spaces.
Practical Performance
Wood stoves aren’t just cozy. They deliver intense, dry heat that works well even in very cold climates, while also helping control moisture in small spaces. Fuel is inexpensive, often locally available, and easy to store in bulk. Managed responsibly, wood is a renewable resource that can be more sustainable than fossil fuels.
Works When the Power Doesn’t
Heating with wood can provide you with a sense of independence and resilience. You don't have to rely on a utility company to provide you with heat, and you can also cut your own wood if you have a source of trees on your property, and many models can burn more than just wood, including coal, charcoal, compressed logs, or even dried biomass.
Can Be Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of wood heat is its cost-effectiveness. Although installing a wood stove has an upfront cost, it can save money in the long run. Wood is generally cheaper than other heating sources such as oil or gas. There are endless opportunities for scrap wood or free firewood if you’re willing to invest some sweat equity.
How safe is wood heat?
When properly installed and maintained, wood stoves are just as safe as other heating appliances. Wood heat can also provide the security of a heat source that doesn’t require any modern infrastructure. It works just as well as a primary heat source for an off-grid home as it does for an emergency heat source for an on-grid space when the power fails. In case of natural disasters, supply lines for propane and other fuels may stop running, but fuel for wood stoves can be foraged and processed locally. Most wood stoves are also capable of burning other solid fuels; coal, charcoal, compressed logs, and even dried cow chips can be used as fuel in wood stoves for heating and cooking.
The Drawbacks of Wood Heat
Fires Require Attention
Wood stoves aren’t “set it and forget it” appliances. They need tending throughout the day, and in some cases, overnight. Keeping a fire burning efficiently is a skill that takes practice. Some people enjoy the routine, while others find it a chore.
Wood heat also requires maintenance. You need to clean the stove regularly, and you also need to dispose of the ash and regularly maintain your chimney pipe.
Overnight Burns Can Be Tricky
In small spaces, the size of the firebox may limit how long a fire will burn unattended. You might need to get up once or twice at night to add wood if you want steady heat until morning.
The Smell of Smoke
Even with a well-managed fire, you may catch a faint whiff of wood smoke now and then, especially when opening the stove door. I love that smell, especially when burning fragrant wood like juniper but if that smell bothers you, it’s worth considering other heat sources.
Mess from Wood and Ash
Bringing in wood can also bring in dirt and insects. Ashes need to be cleaned out periodically, and while it’s an easy job with a brush and dustpan, it’s still more cleanup than many other heating methods require.
Local Regulations
In some areas, wood stoves face restrictions due to air quality concerns. Certain regions require certified appliances, and burn bans may be put in place on days with poor air quality. If you live in one of these areas, wood heat may not be the most practical option.
Is a wood stove right for you?
Many folks (us included) enjoy building and tending fires, don’t mind some light cleanup, and like the smell of wood smoke. If that sounds like you, a stove might be a perfect match. If any of those sound like a deal-breaker, other heat sources such as propane, diesel, or electric could be a better fit.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re still unsure, we can help you weigh your options.
