When it when it comes time to select the right wood-burning system for your home, it can sometimes be overwhelming! Since wood-burning systems vary considerably in both their design and operating efficiency, there are six basic types of wood-heating units to choose from. There is the conventional fireplace which is used in nearly 50% of all homes that burn wood. They are often the most appealing with the numerous decorative fireplace screens available. Unfortunately, this type of wood-burning unit has a low operating efficiency rating of 10%, which means only 10% of its energy makes it into the house as usable heat. Then you have the convectional fireplace, which is a metal fabricated unit with a double wall around the firebox. The hot air between the walls is returned as usable heat. This unit has an operating efficiency of about 40%!

You then have the fireplace insert which is a metal fabricated fireplace designed to fit into your existing fireplace. All you do is remove the existing fireplace screen. Similar to the convectional fireplace, it has a double wall around the firebox and the hot air between the walls is returned as usable heat. It also has an efficiency rating of 40%. You then have a unit called an airtight stove which is the most popular wood-heating unit sold in the United States. This type of stove comes with an airtight firebox and controlled airflow feature for more precise burning efficiency. It has an operating efficiency rating of about 55%.

Then, there is a non-airtight stove which is commonly referred to as a Franklin stove or potbellied stove. They have an operating efficiency rating of about 25%. Finally, you have the wood burning furnace, which is the most expensive but also is the most efficient of all of the units. It has a central firebox and is usually attached to ducts. The efficiency rating of wood burning furnaces is can range from 55 to 65%.