Chimney & Fireplaces/Fireplace comparison

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Expert: - 11/9/2004


Question
Just looking for an opinion...electric versus wood fireplaces. We have an abundance of wood on the property, so that is not an issue, but since I know using electricity is not the most efficient way to produce heat, personal preferences aside, would you install an electric, or wood burning fireplace? What are the advantages/disadvantages to both? When I built my house, I knew that I wanted a fireplace at some point, that is why I installed the return air behind the future location of the fireplace...to use the fan to recirculate the warm air instead of using the heater. My wife wants an electric fireplace...I want a wood burning one. What are your thoughts?

Answer
Hi Bob,

My preference is woodburning.  The btu's are significatly better and the heating capacity is greater.

If you have a free wood supply, it's pretty hard to beat woodburning in that situation.

We heat our home with a woodburning stove, but we also have a factory-built fireplace in another part of the house and a electric fireplace in another part of the house.  I prefer the look and warmth of the woodburning stove.

Using a return air is probably not going to be the most efficient way to supplement the central air system due to the velocity factor, but it will help a little.  You will want to buy a fireplace that has ducting capabilities to take advantage of your setup.

If your wife wants an electric fireplace and you want a woodburning unit....I'll leave that up to you to fight that one out.  ;-)

Thanks for using AllExperts.com!

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden
President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-625-9890
www.homesafeks.com  

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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