Over the past decades, wood burning fireplaces and stoves have become more energy efficient and can save you a lot of money if combined with a chimney liner. The questions comes up though which is better wood or pellets to burn in your home?

Is Wood the Best Heating Fuel For You?

Wood is the traditional way to heat your home. From gathering it outdoors to getting  if from a local vendor, firewood is great economical option for you to heat your home. Some environmentalists frown on using firewood, but it is a renewable heating source.It is good to note that the U.S. Forestry Service supports the use of wood for heating purposes. Gathering fallen lumber helps clear the forest for new growth and pruning  trees keep the them healthy.

The drawback to using firewood as heating source is the time element and the space required to store it. Either way you go about getting your firewood, it still means that you have to have a reliable source year in and year out. Also the firewood needs to be dried out in order to burn the best. This drying process takes form in wood racks and other structures on your property.  Depending on the area of the country you live in and the severity of the winters that you experience, you could also go through a lot of wood which means you have to store that wood as well.

Are Wood Pellets the Best Heating Fuel For You?

Wood pellets are the second type of fuel used by homeowners.  They are manufactured and sold in stores and cost roughly about the same amount as firewood. The difference though is the ease by which to load them into your heating source and to storage of the pellets. A lot of people prefer using pellets because it’s simpler. You don’t need to chop or dry them out , just simply pick a bag up from the local hardware store and pour them into your heating unit.

In the end, using either wood or pellets for fuel depends on your lifestyle. If you have a hectic type of life, with not much time to spare, then pellets would be the practical option for you. If you are one that enjoys the outdoors or has the time to cut firewood and the room to store it, then maybe firewood is the best heating option for you.