DIYbanter - View Single Post - What's the Advantage of Having a Gas Stove?

Jim Elbrecht

wrote:

A new 1500 sq ft home my wife and I are building is to have propane
heat. We'll be living in Adirondack Park in upstate NY.

We are debating on whether to eventually purchase either a wood stove
or a gas stove. I like wood (I enjoy splitting it, stacking it, the
smell of it) but everyone tells me gas is the way to go for efficiency,
convenience and cleanliness.

I think you're talking about a supplemental heat source. Others
think you are talking about a cooking range. If you want to cook,
propane is a no-brainer for all the reasons they've stated.

For supplemental heat and a little ambiance, I'd go with propane, too.
I'm down near Schenectady and made the switch 4-5 years ago.
I did it because I was buying wood and it was twice as expensive as
propane. I bought a cast iron Desa stove with fake logs that fool
casual observers. The fire itself mimics a wood fire.

If you have a source of free wood, then it makes the decision harder--
but for me the thrill of cutting wood wore off after a few years.

Now I enjoy regulated heat;
no bugs, sawdust, smoke or ashes in the house;
increased safety;
zero labor for constant heat;
increased humidity -propane *adds* moisture to the air;
lower heating costs-- this year propane/wood were probably equal here,
but for the first 3 years propane was 1/2 what wood was costing me for
a much more regulated and labor free heat.

My question is that other than ambiance, would a gas stove benefit us
in any way, that is, if I already have a gas furnace does it make sense
to buy a gas stove? Would there be any benefit in purchasing one to
possibly reduce my energy bill?

If you have a cold area that would be difficult to run duct work to,
or is a huge heat-loser it might make sense to supplement with a space
heater. Mine is on a converted slab porch with 6 windows and an
outside door. It is on the far end of the house from the [oil]
furnace so ducting would take a supplemental fan and would still be on
the 'wrong' wall for comfortable heat. My propane stove keeps
that room comfortable and serves as a backup if the power fails.

Get one with no fancy fans or electric thermostat & it will also be a
heat source when the lights go out.

Jim
[and don't forget to buy a propane & CO detector]