Which Wastes More Energy to Heat Homes: Electrical Appliances or Wood?

Electricity

• Power plants typically generate electricity through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil or natural gas. The process of generating electricity this way is not very efficient; only about 30 percent of the fuel converts to electricity. Once the electricity reaches your home, using that energy for electric resistance heat is extremely efficient; nearly 100 percent of it converts to heat. Therefore, even though they may have high efficiency ratings on their labels, electric heating appliances are only as efficient as the source of their power.

Wood

• The efficiency of wood burning for heat depends on the type of appliance and wood used. Wood burning fireplaces are typically inefficient because they do not burn wood completely and much of the heat goes out the chimney. Stoves burn wood more completely than fireplaces, and more of their heat is remains inside. Wood stoves vary in efficiency, depending on their age and whether or not they are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Old stoves often produce a lot of smoke and burn incompletely, while models made after 1990 offer improved performance.

Increase Efficiency

• To improve heating efficiency, service electric appliances yearly and consider purchasing alternative energy from your power company. Many offer solar or wind power that individuals can specifically request. For wood stoves, check that the chimney is clear of debris and free of cracks each year. Burn dry wood rather than wet because wet wood produces more smoke, which is wasted energy. Also, choose hard woods over soft woods because the denser the wood, the more heat it can produce.

Local Resources

• The decision of whether to use electricity or wood to heat a home may depend on what local resources are available. In areas where wood is scarce, it may not be a wise choice. If wood is locally plentiful and sustainably harvested, it may be the heating method of choice. In areas where the local utility company produces a large portion of its power from renewable sources, electricity production may be less wasteful and perhaps a better heating option.