Electric Heater vs Firewood: Why Firewood is More Economical?

You can use numerous fuels to provide warmth to your house during the cold seasons. The most obvious choice for most people is electric heaters because of electric power’s availability. Nonetheless, is it economical to use an electric heater, or should you switch to a traditional alternative like firewood? We’ll reveal it all below in this electric heater vs firewood guide.

Electric heater vs. Firewood: Purchase Price

A wood stove in a clean house. 

A wood stove in a clean house. 

Some wood stoves are relatively expensive, but you may also find medium-priced ones depending on the model you settle on. You may have to spend approximately $1000 on a good stove. 

You don’t have to break the bank to acquire electric heaters as they are cheaper than wood stoves. But still, there are also expensive ones, depending on the type, where you buy, and their respective features. 

Winner: Electric Heater. 

Electric heater vs. Firewood: Installation Costs

An electric heater on a wooden floor. 

An electric heater on a wooden floor. 

The installation process for a wood stove is quite complex as you primarily need to comply with the safety regulations in your jurisdiction. Also, the installation cost is relatively high, especially if you don’t have an existing flue/chimney structure. 

With an electric heater, all you need to use is plug it into your home socket, and you’re good to go. Nonetheless, if you’re using a wall-mounted electric heater, the installation process can be a little bit more complex as you’ll need a technician. 

But the bottom line is that most electric heater installations are simple, and you can do them yourself. 

Winner: Electric Heater

Electric heater vs. Firewood: Fuel Costs

Firewood is more economical than Electricity in terms of Fuel Costs. 

Firewood is more economical than Electricity in terms of Fuel Costs. 

Generally, firewood is cheap to acquire, especially if you purchase it in bulk. You may even source it locally if you have trees on your farm or yard. But you must dry it before use for maximum efficiency

Lastly, according to reputable research in Pennsylvania, the fuel cost of firewood is the lowest than alternatives like Electricity, gas, and fuel oil. 

On the other hand, Electricity can be cheap and expensive, depending on where you source it. Nonetheless, Electricity is costlier overall than firewood, per the study we’ve highlighted above. 

Winner: Firewood Stove. 

Electric heater vs. Firewood: Life Expectancy

A modern electric heater. 

A modern electric heater. 

Most wood stoves are long-lasting and can serve you well for up to 20 years. Primarily, this is because they have no moving parts. Nonetheless, the expectancy fundamentally relies on the brand and the stove’s makeup material. 

Also, you must maintain it well by regularly cleaning and fixing broken parts before they get out of hand. 

But, with an electric heater, there are moving parts. Hence, you’re certain to experience electrical and mechanical issues. Also, the bad news is that most electric heaters are irreparable, and thus you may have to purchase a new one.

Most electric heaters have a one-year warranty, but this only partially cushions you. Hence, regarding life expectancy, the wood stove beats an electric heater. 

Winner: Wood Stove 

Electric heater vs. Firewood: Ease Of Use

A conventional wood-burning stove. 

A conventional wood-burning stove. 

For the inexperienced user, a firewood stove can be hectic to use. Also, it would be best if you had some expertise in arranging the firewood in the stove to boost the burning efficiency. It is also imperative to realize the economic benefits of using a firewood stove. 

Conversely, an electric heater is easy to use; plug it into your socket, switch on the power supply, and that’s all. Hence, you don’t need additional skills to use the device compared to the firewood stove. 

Winner: Electric Heater

Conclusion

A firewood stove is an excellent alternative to an electric heater if you’re looking for an economical and long-lasting fuel option. But for an easy-to-use and install option, go for the electric heater. The ultimate choice will depend on the prevailing circumstances and your preferences. For more, reach out to us.