Wood heaters have been providing warmth to cold homes in one form or another, perhaps since man learned how to make fire. The primary energy source was always firewood from fallen trees, with the only thing changing being the vessel in which the fire was contained.
Faced with the approaching winter, many households realized that their heating bills were rising as electric and gas-powered heating options became increasingly expensive.
This caused a shift, and an increasing number of people continually turned back to wood heaters and fires as home heating solutions.
Brief Overview of the Importance of Heating Options
Heating options are important for various reasons, from personal comfort to industrial processes. Before we tell you how to choose a wood heater, here are a few reasons why heating options are important:
Personal comfort and heating
Proper heating ensures a comfortable living environment, especially in cold climates. It also reduces the risk of health issues such as hypothermia.
There are other health benefits as well, such as preventing dampness that can lead to respiratory problems, mildew, and mould.
Energy efficiency improves
Choosing the right option is important as it can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Modern energy-efficient solutions also help reduce the environmental impact through solar-efficiency or heat pumps.
Safety
When choosing a wood heater, it is important to consider the safety risks. Some heating methods come with safety risks when used improperly. For example, using electric or gas heaters has varying safety risks.
Considerations Before Choosing a Wood Heater
Modern-day wood heaters are more than the simple, rudimentary vessels of old. Their construction is more considered as safety guidelines and design aesthetics govern their modeling and use.
When choosing a wood heater, one must take into consideration such factors as:
Type
Two main wood heaters in Australia are Convection and radiant heaters. Each provides warmth primarily by the method implied in its name.
Convection heaters are a little more advantageous in that the heat they give out is more even throughout the room, while radiant heaters tend to remain warmer the closer to the main heater you are.
Space
Your heater will be installed in the room, providing crucial clues as to the heater’s specifications that you can consider. First among the list of considerations is the question of size. How big is your space? What is the layout of your home?
Space refers not only to the area in which the heater will be primarily located but also to the scope of the space that will need heating. If possible, you want your heater to be adequate to warm up the whole room or multiple rooms, so take in your space and use it as the first point of measurement.
Size and Design
Once you have a clear idea of the space, it is time to select your heater’s size. In this case, size will often go hand in hand with design. The design of your wood heater is a matter of personal style preferences, which, in turn, may affect the size of the heater you can get.
Naturally, the larger the heater, the higher its capacity to provide heat. Consider these factors carefully before you move ahead so that you are not disappointed.
Having the wrong size heater may not only be inconsistent but can also prove to be dangerous.
Insulation
The insulation of your home is a key determinant of the efficacy of your wood heater. The better insulated your home is, the more effective your wood heater will be.
Heat loss through poorly insulated walls and subpar seals around windows and doors will cause the heater to perform at lower levels, rendering it redundant, at best. Furniture impacts the intensities of warmth that can be achieved once the heater has been turned on.
If you are unsure about how well your home is insulated, it is recommended that you purchase a radiant heater, as less heat will be lost to the environment than in the case of convection heaters.
The latter do best in well-insulated homes; regular to high ceilings are a bonus.
Climate
This is an important consideration when wondering how to choose a wood heater. Going for a wood heater may not be the smart choice if you are in an area that requires constant heating.
This is because a centralized system will heat your home quicker than a wood heater. However, a wood heater will be great for areas that receive mildly cold weather.
Energy source
If you are in an area that receives erratic or poor electric supply, then choosing a wood heater may be your best option.
On the other hand, if you have access to proper gas, electricity, or renewable energy sources, you can go for alternative heating solutions.
Budget
Considering the upfront cost, operational expenses, and maintenance costs are important when choosing a heater for your home. It is also important to consider your budget so that you do not end up paying more than you can afford.
Many options can fit well into your budget while also meeting your requirements, such as energy efficiency.
Eco-friendliness
In a sustainability-focused society, you must pick your side. Sustainable options are rapidly becoming the choice for the masses for all the right reasons – the future generations need to be taken care of, too.
Thus, if you are environmentally conscious and budget-conscious, opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as solar and heat pumps.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about how to choose a wood heater in different ways. A wood heater reminds me of old movies and music videos with a fire burning. One of the major reasons why you can think about choosing a wood heater is for small spaces.
Other considerations are also present that can make your choice of a heating solution easier. The article describes all the different ways you can choose one for your home or office space.
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