Why Update My Hearth Appliance?

What Are the Benefits of Upgrading My Hearth Appliance?

Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, increase your home’s value, or simply enjoy a more comfortable living space, there are many upsides to upgrading the hearth appliance in your home, including:

• You can improve heating efficiency. Older hearth appliances – especially wood-burning units – are notorious for allowing heat to escape up the chimney. Modern models are sealed better and can direct heat back into your living space, saving you money on your energy bills.
• You can add zone heating. Zone heating allows you to lower the central thermostat setting without compromising warmth in occupied spaces. By strategically heating only the rooms in use, zone heating can significantly cut back energy consumption and associated costs.
• You can update your interior design. Full home renovations can be costly and time-consuming. Upgrading your hearth appliance is a way to change up your living space that can have a big impact on aesthetics but doesn’t break your budget.
• You can improve safety. Modern hearth appliances prioritize safety with features like improved ventilation to prevent overheating, automatic shut-offs to stop malfunctions, and advanced materials that resist fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
• You can do less harm to the environment. Many modern appliances are designed to be eco-friendly. They burn cleaner – releasing less smoke and harmful particulates – which helps reduce air pollution. Our wood-burning units are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are even safe to use on “No Burn Days.”
• You can boost your home’s resale value. A functional and attractive fireplace is a desirable feature for many homebuyers.  If you’re considering selling your house someday, upgrading your hearth appliance could be a smart investment that increases your home’s value by as much as 12% according to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA).

Wood, Gas, or Pellets? Which Is the Best Fuel Source?

An appliance upgrade is an opportunity to reevaluate your preferred fuel source. If you have an old wood-burning fireplace, this is the chance to make the switch to a gas insert. If you have a gas stove but you’ve been interested in pellets for a while, this is the right time to do it.

There isn’t a definitive answer as to which source of fuel is best. Based on your needs, wood, gas, and pellets each have their pros and cons. Wood is the most renewable and potentially cheapest option, especially if you have access to your own supply. The downside is that wood is more labor intensive as it requires chopping and storing. 

Gas offers convenience and clean-burning, but you need to have consistent access to a natural gas line or have the ability to store propane tanks which can be more expensive. Pellets are considered a compromise between wood and gas. They are renewable, cleaner than wood, and easier to manage, but require a specialized appliance and can still be more costly than firewood.  

The right fuel source will ultimately come down to your budget and needs.