Fireplace Vs. Furnace: Which Is More Efficient?
By now, you have probably gotten your home ready for winter. Temperatures are expected to drop over the next several weeks. There may even be snow on the driveways and streets. You and the rest of your household will be spending more time inside, taking measures to avoid the frosty outdoor air. It’s important to have a heat source that can keep you warm in a cost-effective fashion. A lot of homes have both furnaces and fireplaces. Although each is compelling in its own way, each also has its own drawbacks. One common question is whether using a fireplace is more efficient than using a furnace or vice versa. This article will compare fireplace vs furnace efficiency from a practical standpoint.
Furnace vs. Fireplace: Which of the Two Is Most Efficient?
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One of the top factors considered when choosing a new heating system is energy efficiency. After all, the costs of energy are rising throughout the world. Volatile fuel supplies and the rapid rise of inflation are both noteworthy concerns. You need heating equipment that can keep everyone in your household comfortable without breaking the bank. If you don’t have this, sustaining heating for your home might not be an option.
High-efficiency heating equipment also means producing fewer carbon emissions. If you’re concerned about your impact on the natural environment, then efficiency ratings are definitely worth thinking about. Some comparisons reveal clear winners. Others are so close that the gap between the two models is negligible, and consumers can make their selections based on other factors.
Wood Fireplaces Are Gorgeous But Inefficient
Fireplaces are classic. Consumers have been using firewood to stay warm for thousands of years. Wood burning is both effective and simple: acquire and chop wood, throw the seasoned pieces into the fireplace or fire pit, and then light it on fire. In a home, the smoke should be vented for release via a chimney so that the only thing building occupants are exposed to are the resulting light and warmth. The soothing dance of fireplace flames is also hypnotic. Beautiful and captivating, this motion can have a trance-like and relaxing effect. It also sets the perfect ambiance for relaxing with a cup of cocoa on a cold winter night or hosting an indoor gathering. Sadly, however, this isn’t a decision that can be made solely on aesthetics.
Fireplace Inefficiency
The inefficiency of wood fireplaces is disheartening. Some studies report that just 25 percent of the heat created by burning wood stays inside the home. The remaining 75 percent escapes through the chimney with the smoke. In some instances, burning wood in your fireplace can result in as much as 90 percent of wasted heat.
Firewood isn’t cheap. It’s disappointing to know that for all that you pay, you aren’t going to get a ton of value. If your budget is something that you happen to care about, looking for a more efficient solution is the right idea. The aesthetic appeal doesn’t make up for the serious lack of efficiency, especially when there are far better options for heating out there.
Wood Fireplace Safety
Another good reason to steer clear of wood-burning fireplaces is safety. These features can’t be left unattended when in use. If you have to run an errand or when you’re ready to go to bed, you’ll need to douse the flames. If you don’t, no one will be there to keep the flames from spreading in case something unexpected happens. Although the risk is low, the consequences of a fire can be both serious and widespread, which means you can’t afford to ignore the potential.
It’s also important to think about how using a fireplace might impact the quality of your indoor air. Even though the majority of the smoke produced by burning wood will flow up the chimney, a fair amount of ash, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could enter your living space.
Related Article: What Is The Difference Between A Portable & Whole Home Air Filtration System?
Gas Fireplaces Are More Efficient Than Wood-Burning Fireplaces – But They’re Still Lacking
To get the aesthetic look and ambiance of a fireplace without a lot of hassle, you can have a gas-powered fireplace put in. There’s no need to burn wood for warmth or contend with airborne particulates. Safety is less of a concern too. These units tend to be more convenient as well, given that they have a steady source of fuel to keep them going. Although they don’t offer the same old-school charm of snapping, popping, and crackling wood, they’re more efficient and they have higher ratings for heat conversion. This is a welcome trade-off for most.
Gas Fireplace Inefficiency
Considering the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of gas fireplaces, you’ll find that they hover at around 70 percent. This is a major increase from the 25 percent efficiency of wood-burning fireplaces. There are incredible benefits in switching to another fuel source. You’ll get better value for your money – but this isn’t the absolute best value you can get. Gas furnaces boast far greater efficiency ratings of 80 to 98 percent, depending upon which type you choose. If you happen to get an advanced gas furnace, you’ll get the best value.
Gas Fireplace Doesn’t Provide Whole-House Heating
Keep in mind – a gas fireplace – despite using a different fuel source – is a fireplace. It’s only capable of heating up the area that surrounds it. This isn’t a huge issue if you’re only trying to heat up a single room, such as your living room or family room, during get-togethers. These units also work well for sheds, small-sized cottages, and studios. However, they don’t work well as whole-house heating for single-family homes that have numerous rooms and stories. A gas furnace is an infinitely better whole-house heating solution.
Related Article: Using Ductless As A Supplemental Heat Source
The Best Option Is a Gas Furnace
As far as heating solutions go, modern furnaces are very versatile. There are furnaces in various sizes to meet the needs of individual living environments. Furnaces force hot air through a system of ductwork so that it can be distributed to each zone or room for whole-house heating. Although they might not provide the same stunning, visual aesthetics that a fireplace offers, furnaces can provide consistent warmth during the coldest months of the year. You can comfortably move around your home. Everyone in your household will be able to sleep soundly.
High-Efficiency Furnaces
High-efficiency furnaces, such as variable-speed furnaces, provide impressive amounts of energy efficiency (they’re up to 98 percent efficient). This means that you can lower your fuel use, enjoy lower monthly bills, and save far more than if you went with the alternative. If you have a furnace, you can affordably run this unit all winter long if you need to. The long-term fuel savings definitely make up for the higher upfront price of a furnace. In the long run, you’ll get impressive returns.
Related Article: What Can I Expect During My HVAC Installation?
Conclusion
Prudent homeowners aren’t overly concerned with aesthetic styles. Think about the energy efficiency of your home heating solution when deciding whether you want a furnace or a fireplace. If you compare how efficient each heater type is, you’ll find that a gas furnace will always beat a fireplace. Just be sure to hire a trusted contractor to perform your Manual J Calculation and install your furnace correctly. With a seasoned professional handling your installation, you can enjoy comfortable winter temperatures for many years.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your Home Heating Requirements
Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our certified technicians can provide you with excellent HVAC services, including heating and cooling tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician has outstanding knowledge and experience to serve your HVAC system needs correctly the first time around.
Point Bay Fuel guarantees to provide the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services ensure to improve your comfort, increase your system’s energy efficiency, and reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. Need your system repaired or replaced? We’ll recommend the best solution that works well within your budget. The best part is all our work is backed with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. If you wish to schedule a service appointment, give us a call today!
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists! Click the link to view our service area.