Which Fireplace Type is Right For Your Home? Pellet vs. Wood

When you’re looking for a fireplace, it can be challenging to know which type of fireplace is right for you and your family. From wood-burning to gas, electric to pellet, the selections are many, as are the differences between them. At Rettinger Fireplace Systems, we are proud to be a supplier of excellent-quality fireplaces and fireplace inserts in NJ, and we are dedicated to helping you pick out a fireplace that will bring your home to life! 

Whether it’s the chilly holiday season or the cooler nights in the spring and summer, nothing sets the mood better than a crackling fire to gather around with friends and family. Although gas and electric fireplaces produce beautiful atmospheres and provide heat to the home, the two fireplace types we are spotlighting in this article are the only ones which provide that classic ambiance by burning solid fuel: wood and pellets. 

The Benefits of Burning Biomass

Since both wood and pellet units burn renewable biomass instead of fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, or coal, both types of fuel are environmentally-friendly. 

Wood

Wood used for burning is a relatively plentiful resource in most areas, making this energy source easy to find in relatively large quantities. Since most firewood is harvested from dead trees, when you burn this wood, no additional carbon is released into the atmosphere as gases from burning are the same gases that would have been released if the trees were left to decompose naturally. Also, if your wood-burning fireplace was manufactured after 1992, it is certified by the EPA as a clean-burning. 

Pellets

Pellets used in fireplaces are also considered renewable and clean-burning. They are made from compressed sawdust, which is still a natural wood product, but it generates minimal wood-smoke, making pellet fireplaces efficient, low-emission choices. Additionally, sawdust frequently ends up in landfills, which is another environmental benefit of using pellets as fireplace fuel. 

The Comprehensive Comparison

Now that you have an understanding of the fuel for wood and pellet fireplaces, take a look at a few comparisons we have made between the units themselves to help you decide which fireplace type is right for you and your home: 

As you can see, both fireplace types are excellent options, from environmentally-friendly fuel and high efficiency to classical ambiance and heat production. We apologize if this article made the decision more difficult, but we would be happy to help you figure out the right type for you and your family. As the leading fireplace and custom cabinetry installer in South Jersey, our fireplace technicians are available to assist you in any way possible – just give us a call or fill out a contact form today!