Here's the background. My parents heat primarily with electric baseboards, however they used to have a wood stove in their family room. Probably 15 years ago we had a flu fire and my dad was doing a lot of travel for business so they decided to switch out the wood stove for a coal stove. The coal stove was dry and dusty plus getting rid of the ashes was a hassle. So, they got rid of the coal stove and bought a ventless gas stove. It is pretty nice, however they live in a rural area so they have to get propane in tanks, which is pricey. I'm guessing they spend about $1000 to $1200 for gas in the winter. I was talking to my mom this afternoon and she mentioned how they just got a $500 gas bill and that she mentioned getting a pellet stove to my dad. We got to talking and I mentioned that a wood stove might be a better route. My grandfather owns about 100 acres a few miles from my parent’s house where I already get some wood for myself. I offered to cut and split the wood for them as well. I don't really have any say in what they choose but I figured I'd pick everyone's brain here and see what the pros and cons are. My mom's biggest worry is another flue fire, which I think was caused by unseasoned wood and creosote buildup. They bought their wood before so I doubt it was properly seasoned. If I were to cut the wood that would be a non-issue.
Right now I see the biggest advantage to wood is the huge savings in fuel. I'm not sure how a ton of pellets compares to a cord of wood, but from what I've seen a ton of pellets is about $200. The wood would be free, plus the have plenty of room to let it season.
I'm also not familiar with pellet stoves, but do you have to worry about creosote buildup with them as well? If you guys could give me the pros and cons of both I’d appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
Right now I see the biggest advantage to wood is the huge savings in fuel. I'm not sure how a ton of pellets compares to a cord of wood, but from what I've seen a ton of pellets is about $200. The wood would be free, plus the have plenty of room to let it season.
I'm also not familiar with pellet stoves, but do you have to worry about creosote buildup with them as well? If you guys could give me the pros and cons of both I’d appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!