2022 Fall Home and Garden

Page 22 2022 Fall Home & Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 23, 2022 Wood-burning stoves A wood-burning stove can make a good or better substitute when it comes to practical heating function. These stoves are still popular and easy to find in stores, and some older homes may have one already. Much like a fireplace, this kind of stove still requires somewhere for exhaust to go, so it still needs to be properly installed, and is often attached to a chimney or other vent system. The difference between the two is that a wood- burning stove is generally regarded as being more efficient in delivering heat. Stoves burn less wood due to their smaller size, generate less exhaust, and due to their smaller scope, use less fuel with greater output to a wider area. In contrast, a fireplace may generate more heat in an immediate area, but once the heat moves beyond a certain threshold, it’s not as effective, and it only heats in one direction. Stoves have smaller exhaust systems and can be built in multiple parts of a house, and release heat in multiple directions. Additionally, newer stoves are built to be more efficient than older stoves, saving on energy costs. There’s also the added benefit of more utility. A fireplace only has so many uses depending on its size, but a stove can be used for heating water and food if it’s built right and has a top that is accessible. Portable heaters Another alternative heating source is the increasing amount of options for gas-powered portable heaters. These heaters are usually powered by kerosene or propane. They can be moved from room to room with greater ease, and are relatively cheaper compared to other heating options. However, these heaters are a little more risky to use long-term. While they may not generate fire, the gas containers can cause damage if they are improperly secured, or if they are used constantly. Older homes often have damage caused by overuse of kerosene CONTINUED u