Long story, short . . . I'm putting together a presentation for a Winter Heating and Safety Expo and I'm compiling a short list of pros/cons of some of the more popular alternative heating sources for folks this winter.
Here's what I've got so far . . . feel free to add your own thoughts.
Woodstoves
Pros:
+ Cheapest heat (for fuel)
+ Will continue to work in power outage
+ Few moving parts to fail/replace
Cons:
- Requires diligent maintenance (i.e. clean out ashes, check/clean chimney)
- Time and work required to cut, split, stack wood
- Not as "clean" as some alternative heat sources (i.e. bark fallilng on floor, ashes, etc.)
- Cost of chimney/Floor protection added cost to the cost of appliance
Pellet Stoves
Pros:
+ Simpler and more inexpensive installation compared to conventional woodstoves
+ Ability to better regulate temp with a thermostat
+ Ease of use (i.e. storage of pellets, ordering pellets vs. stacking, long burn times)
Cons:
- Availability of some of the more popular models due to high demand
- May not work with power outage (some models have battery back-up)
- Maintenance (i.e. more moving parts compared to woodstoves, space heaters, etc.)
Space Heaters (Electric, Kerosene, Propane)
Pros:
+ Portable heat for small spaces
+ Most inexpensive alternative heat source (up-front, appliance costs)
+ Nearly maintenance free
Cons:
- Less heat than many other alternative heat sources
- May not heat an entire area sufficiently
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Since this Expo is geared at helping folks get through this winter I have steered away from alternative tech that is rather new for folks here in Maine (i.e. heat pumps, solar heat) and more expensive heating sources that may be too prohibitive for many (i.e. wood boilers).
Any other pros and cons . . . or any other heating tech that I should consider?
Here's what I've got so far . . . feel free to add your own thoughts.
Woodstoves
Pros:
+ Cheapest heat (for fuel)
+ Will continue to work in power outage
+ Few moving parts to fail/replace
Cons:
- Requires diligent maintenance (i.e. clean out ashes, check/clean chimney)
- Time and work required to cut, split, stack wood
- Not as "clean" as some alternative heat sources (i.e. bark fallilng on floor, ashes, etc.)
- Cost of chimney/Floor protection added cost to the cost of appliance
Pellet Stoves
Pros:
+ Simpler and more inexpensive installation compared to conventional woodstoves
+ Ability to better regulate temp with a thermostat
+ Ease of use (i.e. storage of pellets, ordering pellets vs. stacking, long burn times)
Cons:
- Availability of some of the more popular models due to high demand
- May not work with power outage (some models have battery back-up)
- Maintenance (i.e. more moving parts compared to woodstoves, space heaters, etc.)
Space Heaters (Electric, Kerosene, Propane)
Pros:
+ Portable heat for small spaces
+ Most inexpensive alternative heat source (up-front, appliance costs)
+ Nearly maintenance free
Cons:
- Less heat than many other alternative heat sources
- May not heat an entire area sufficiently
-------------
Since this Expo is geared at helping folks get through this winter I have steered away from alternative tech that is rather new for folks here in Maine (i.e. heat pumps, solar heat) and more expensive heating sources that may be too prohibitive for many (i.e. wood boilers).
Any other pros and cons . . . or any other heating tech that I should consider?