Many homeowners consider functionality and aesthetics when picking wood heaters for their homes. Wood-fired heaters remain a favourite way of transforming frosty interiors into warm, cosy rooms for family and guests. There has never been a better time to get a wood heater. The following are pointers on how to find the right wood heater for you.
The Best Wood Heater Model for You
Wood heaters continue to grace modern homes for their affordability and function versatility. The myriads of models on the market with constant upgrades on their features can overwhelm a prospective buyer. Consider the following when shopping for a wood heater:
Inbuilt or freestanding heater
The choice between freestanding and inbuilt heaters depends on the home’s layout. A freestanding heater suits a home that does not have a fireplace. Then, the inbuilt insert models remain excellent options for homes with an open fireplace. They do not need extra space in the room.
The choice between the two types depends on the room’s layout, influencing the heater’s placement. Freestanding heaters require extra space around them for a hearth. Inbuilt heaters may require additional space for safety measures such as heat shields.
Heating needs
Wood heaters produce warming effects through radiation, convection, and retaining heat in brick casing. Radiant heaters suit large, open rooms with poor insulation or high ceilings. These heaters work by transferring heat from their outer surfaces to warm surrounding surfaces of objects.
Convection heaters warm the cold air they draw in from the room. They then release the heated air into the room and suck in more cold air. The cycle makes the convection heater appropriate for well-insulated buildings with low ceilings.
Some wood heater models use the three heating techniques simultaneously for comprehensive heating.
Architecture and size of heaters
Managing heat distribution in a building remains one of the leading challenges with wood heaters. Installing a fan at the top of the heater disperses the heat to the rest of the room. Some convection heaters come with fans, though the fans may be noisy.
Installing an air duct system is another architectural consideration to enhance domestic energy efficiency. Connecting the wood heater to the house’s central duct system effectively transmits heat to an entire home. That solves heating issues in a multi-storeyed building.
Heating needs arising from the layout and construction of the home also determine the choice of the size of a heater. Bigger models generate more heat. Ideally, they warm larger spaces like spacious rooms with open layouts. But small, poorly insulated rooms or those with many windows also require larger heaters.
Poorly insulated rooms have poor heat retention ability. Fortunately, the architecture in modern homes assures robust insulation. Well-insulated rooms, even large ones, can use miniature wood heaters.
The flooring of a room also determines the size of the heater. Carpets retain heat inside the home. A carpeted room does not require a large heater but will need safety measures because mats can catch fire, just like floorboards.
Floorboards, cement floors, and tiles absorb heat and require larger wood heaters. Install a hearth or floor protector for all flooring. They will prevent accidents and damage to the floor from heat exposure.
Style
Beyond the heating function, modern wood heater models powerfully hold beautiful and sophisticated appliances. The sleek models are eye-catching masterpieces greatly desired as focal pieces for bespoke interior design.
Conclusion
Wood heaters produce the ambience and warmth characteristic of good living. Present models are technologically advanced appliances that offer more than heating. Their impact on livelihoods is reflected in safe and efficient home heating and reduced utility bills. They are aesthetic focal points for homes where families and friends gather for memorable times.
