WES Blog

Many people have been coming into our shop lately and inquiring about pellet and gas stoves. However, once they see our beautiful hearthstone wood burning inserts, they begin asking questions about wood. I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a couple of the pros and cons about all three types of fuel for inserts, fireplaces and stoves.

Gas heating appliances are easy to use, more economical than you would think, and they can be connected to a thermostat for a consistent heat. Also, many come with a remote control, so literally, at the touch of a button you can be sitting in front of a roaring fire. However, gas is not a renewable source of energy, and you will still pay the high fuel prices. Though they are a more efficient way of heating; gas stoves, fireplaces and inserts are generally a convenient secondary or supplemental heat source for your home.

Stoves and inserts that use wood pellets for fuel can produce quite a bit of heat. They are very efficient and for the most part, are mess free. The pellets can be stacked easily in the garage or shed in bags and they burn very efficiently. Pellet stoves can be used to heat your whole home throughout the winter. And though they do not have the pretty flame we are used to with burning wood, manufacturers today are making more attractive pellet stoves to suit more needs. Probably the biggest drawback to a pellet stove or insert is the need for electric power to run. In a snowy Nor’easter, if there is no power, there is also no fire.

Wood makes a beautiful fire; wood is a renewable fuel source -so no more huge heating bills; and wood burning fireplaces, inserts and stoves can heat your whole home all winter. Manufacturers of wood burning heating appliances have much higher standards making stoves, inserts and fireplaces that are more efficient with higher EPA ratings today than in the past. Therefore, pollutants are reduced and efficiency is increased. So then what are the drawbacks to wood? Wood requires storing and lugging. As opposed to gas and pellet, when you get home from work, you cannot just push a button and have a fire to relax in front of.

All of these fuel sources have a place based on your lifestyles, your home and your needs. At West Sport, our goal is to help educate you on all the fuel sources available. We want you to make the right decision for your home and family so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your new fireplace, stove or insert.

Now that winter is here have you found that you have a room in your home that just is not warm enough? With the electric heaters from Comfort Furnace, this no longer is an issue. Comfort Furnace is an attractive electric furnace that is both safe and efficient. It costs less than a coffee maker to run this electric space heater (less than $1 a day)! And, by using infrared heat, like the sun, it is more effective than the traditional electric heater. Unlike most heaters that provide uneven hot spots, the heat from a Comfort Furnace surrounds you–no matter where you are in the room. It heats the air through infrared heating elements.

The result is an even, soft heat that is normally balanced between the floor and ceiling by no more than a few degrees difference. Because of today’s spiraling gas, oil, propane, and other energy costs, The Comfort Furnace will pay for itself in no time, and it is designed to last 15-20 years. But this electric heater also promotes healthier, cleaner air. Comfort Furnace heaters destroy bacteria, virus, mold, mildew and other organic organisms that cause respiratory distress, colds and flu’s. They are the perfect heating source for your home. And, it is a safe source of localized heat that cannot burn or harm your pets, children, or furniture.

But even better, the comfort furnace is attractive. Invite people over to and see if they can spot your new Comfort Furnace which looks more like an end table. Unlike the dangerous and inefficient space heaters of the past, it looks exactly like a piece of furniture. Which means this more efficient and effective way to heat your home can match your décor as well. So if you have a refinished basement that just is not warm enough, or a tucked away home office where the heat does not travel too, no worries, West Sport in Sudbury has the answer. Located near Framingham, Marlborough, and Wayland, visit or call us today.