Keeping your home warm and cozy during the winter is crucial. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States is home to about 17.5 million fireplaces and 10.1 million wood stoves. If you're having trouble deciding between these two heating options, here are some things to consider.

Efficiency

This is one area where wood stoves really outshine fireplaces. Certain stores often focus on selling the comfort of fireplaces to customers because the reality is that wood stoves are more efficient. Wood stoves can provide the same heat that fireplaces do but with less wood, which means you don't have to spend a fortune on firewood each winter.

Heating Power

While fireplaces can get pretty warm, especially if you know how to build a roaring fire, they're not usually as warm as wood stoves. With a fireplace, you additionally might need to turn your central heating on every once in a while to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Wood stoves generally offer a higher amount of heating power.

Functionality

As far as functionality goes, wood stoves are far superior. While fireplaces are amazing resources if you're interested in sitting by the fire, you can use a wood stove to boil water and perform many other tasks. Some even have a water reservoir built in.

Aesthetic

There's no denying that fireplaces are about as good as it gets when it comes to aesthetics. Fireplace stores have tons of beautiful options for you to choose from, each offering a more traditional look when pictured in a home. If you're heavily fixated on style and appearance, fireplaces are the better choice for many people.

Cost

The cost of installing a fireplace or wood stove varies quite a bit. A basic fireplace insert is usually more affordable than a wood stove, but a gas fireplace that needs to be vented is typically a more expensive installation. You can check with your local fireplace stores to learn more about average installation costs.

When winter comes around and you need to keep your house warm, fireplaces and wood stoves are both great options. You should choose the heating system that fits your needs and matches the aesthetic of your home. If you're looking for a reliable heating option for the future, check out our selection at FireMaster Inc today.