If you're planning to install a stove for heat, the two main options are wood stoves and pellet stoves. Each has unique strengths that will determine which is the right choice for your home. Here are a few factors to consider when making your choice.

Differences Between a Wood Stove and Pellet Stove

Aesthetics

For sheer classic beauty, a wood stove is the clear choice. This provides a crackling log fire and the pleasant smell of wood smoke. A pellet stove also produces flames and plenty of heat, but probably won't look or smell as good.

Efficiency

Pellet stoves are generally more efficient than wood stoves at outputting heat, and they're also more predictable, so you can adjust your home's temperature more easily. Logs vary in size, density, and quality, so the heat from a wood stove is less reliable.

Maintenance

When it comes to caring for your stove, cleaning and maintenance are vital in both cases. Pellet stoves need slightly more day-to-day care to make sure the system is smoothly feeding fuel into the burner, but wood models need regular chimney maintenance while pellet stoves don't.

Cost

When it comes to installation, a wood stove is slightly pricier than a pellet model. However, the question of fuel is a little more complex. If you have easy access to a supply of wood on your property, it can be cheaper than buying pellets — though you will need to factor in the time to chop and gather the wood. However, if you're buying firewood, pellets are usually cheaper.

Once you've decided on the type of stove that is right for your home, contact Warming Trends in Onalaska, WI. For almost 30 years, they have installed pellet and wood stoves, and have partnered with local masonry providers to execute beautiful installations. With a combined 75 years in the industry, they have provided La Crosse County with reliable, affordable services. To discuss your project and schedule a visit, call (608) 783-6400 or reach out online.