247 Oberle Rd.
Herkimer, NY 13350
(315)866-5557
(800)889-HEAT)
Wood vs. Gas vs. Pellet vs. Coal vs. Corn
Homeowners have terrific diverse choices in hearth products. At Herkimer Home & Leisure we sell wood, pellet, coal, corn and
gas fueled appliances and we believe that they all have their proper place. In this section we briefly discuss their relative
advantages and disadvantages.
Wood - Simply stated, wood is the least expensive and most reliable way to heat your home. In a clean-burning high
efficiency stove this fuel is environmentally sound. Wood is a renewable fuel, and its consumption does not lead to the
buildup of greenhouse gases or global warming. Come ice, snow, wind, power outage, flood or whatever, a woodstove will heat
provided you have some fuel to burn and a chimney that will draw. Wood does involve some work, as the fuel must be obtained,
stacked, seasoned, and the stove must be fed. In addition the stove will need regular tending. Many people enjoy this little
bit of work, enjoy providing one of life's necessities for themselves. Some do not. In thinking about wood heat, it is
important to recognize the incredible improvements in woodstoves over the past ten years. It is also important to think
through how and who is going to do the work involved.
Natural Gas - Natural gas is generally slightly more expensive to heat with than wood, but it is cleaner and much
more convenient. It also is very reliable in that many gas stoves and inserts heat very well without fans. Should the
electricity be knocked out, you still have a high efficiency heat source. With gas, it is important that everything be done
correctly and to code. We are experts in gas piping and the installation and service of gas appliances. From an environmental
standpoint gas burns with very little pollution produced, and supplies are very plentiful.
Propane - The only disadvantage to propane over natural gas is that it is more expensive. Everything that we
have written about gas also applies to propane.
Pellets - Pellet stoves and inserts are for people who like wood heat but are tired of dealing with wood. They have an
automatic feed system and the fuel comes ready to burn in forty pound sacks. Pellets are made from sawdust and this wood
fiber is renewable and environmentally benign. It is important to note that pellet stoves do require regular maintenance as
well as electricity to make them work. Installation is quick and easy. We are experts in the installation and service of
pellet stoves.
Coal - Anthracite coal is again becoming a popular heating fuel in many parts of the Northeast. It's clean,
environmentally-friendly (the low sulfur content does not contribute to acid rain) and can be purchased by the bag, making
it easy to handle and store.
What's more, many coal stoves have automatic stokers, or a natural gravity-feed system that continues to operate during a
power outage.
Anthracite burns with high-combustion temperatures, assuring a clean burn and high heat output with relatively low ash and
virtually no creosote. Burn times of up to 12 hours are not uncommon with coal stoves.
Many coal stoves are thermostatically-controlled; and have removable ash pans for easy maintenance.
Corn - Clean shelled corn is a renewable fuel, and usually available at substantially lower cost than pellets.
There is no environmental impact from burning corn. Also, corn ash is as benign as wood ash for gardens.
To see the complete line of our products, please click on the links below
or
Call, email or visit our store in Herkimer.
Web Pages designed and maintained by: Ingrid Holden
The page's Webcounter count says that you are visitor number
