| BENEFITS |
You get the most authentic glow, smell and sound of any fuel type, mainly because it's the most natural. Wood fuel can supplement furnace usage and drive heating costs down. The widespread availability of firewood is always a big plus. And Harman even offers a cooking grill that allows for wood-grilled meals all year long. |
Since gas works primarily by the flip of a switch, convenience is the biggest benefit. The height and intensity of the flame is always controllable. And there's also a flexibility of installation that other fuel types don't offer. |
Pellets are a clean-burning, renewable resource that provide consistent heat. From a storage perspective, they take up less room than wood. Plus, this eco-friendly biomass alternative is readily available at most hardware stores. And with Harman's pellet technology, you can buy the cheapest, high ash pellets and get the heat output you need. |
Your heating bills will be much less if your electric bill is paid up each month, you'll always have reliable heat. No need to purchase wood or pellets and find a place to store them. And since there's no venting required, you can move this appliance into any room that has an outlet. |
Because it burns more consistent than wood, coal can burn up to 24 hours without refueling. And unlike wood, there's no creosote buildup and, in turn, no staining of roof shingles. Most importantly, coal costs about 30% less than purchased wood. |
| FIRE CHARACTERISTICS |
Most wood stoves go from having a powerfully strong fire on one end of the spectrum to a tapered off flicker on the other. With Harman's Firedome technology, you can heat throughout your home due to its special air flow and reburning of exhaust. You may not always see flames, since the re-burning takes place in the back of the firebox. |
Gas fires are consistent heat sources by design, since they replicate the look and feel of a wood fire with ceramic logs sets. Flames can be made bigger or smaller, depending on your needs. |
You'll get a very active fire with pellets. On the low end, the flame may barely reach the top of the firepot. On the high end, it can extend 4-8 inches or more above the firepot, creating a bright, powerful fire. |
Electric fireplaces have a very unique fire aesthetic. Although it's not actual fire, it gives off a beautiful glow that's quite hypnotic and pleasing to stare into. |
You won't experience the kind of crackling sound or flickering flames that a wood fire provides. Coal fires are the strong, silent type. They're generally more subdued, providing clean "blue" flames and a stunning red glow. |
| Paper, kindling and matches. It's the winning formula for a tradition handed down from the caveman. The amount of extra time it takes to get it started is dwarfed by the rugged, outdoorsy rep you'll get. |
Don't have time to start your own fire? Just grab your remote. Take advantage of 21st century technology and enjoy a romantic fire with the flip of a switch. |
Essentially, all you have to do is keep the pellet hopper filled up. The built-in thermostat will take care of the rest. With automatic ignition and temperature control, heating with pellets requires little effort. |
As long as you have an outlet in your home, you're set. This is instant warmth with the flip of a switch. But unlike gas fuel, you're simply running off electricity. |
Traditionally, coal fires take longer to start. Begin with paper and dry kindling, then add coal in batches as the fire increases. Never fill your appliance with coal to the highest level. Always maintain a visible flame to ensure proper gas burn-off. |
| Because you're essentially controlling the fire yourself, you'll get a mix of radiant and convection heat, depending on how attentive you are. The warmest place will be closest to the heat source. |
Whether you're using thermostats or operating manually, you'll have a nice, steady mix of radiant and convectional heat whenever you want it. |
Although you'll feel some radiant heat from the glass door, most of the warmth is provided by convectional heat, where hot air is blown through a heat exchanger and out into the rest of your home. |
Traditionally, electric fireplaces have a lower heat output than other fuel types, but the heat they put out is still substantial. It produces radiant heat as opposed to convectional. |
The biggest advantage of coal lies in its heating capacity. Coal is generally not only hotter than wood, but has a longer, more sustainable burn. And it's all about radiant heat. |
| Dry storage is important, but the size of your storage space is vital. A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet when split and stacked 4'x4'x8'. And an average 1,500 square foot home will require between 2 and 4 cords per season. |
Again, in contrast to wood or pellet fuels, gas is still the most convenient. Natural gas is fed through a pipeline and propane is delivered to your home and stored outside in a storage tank. |
Pellets are normally available in 40 lb. bags (corn in 50 lb. bags). Here's where the importance of storage comes into play. A ton of pellets takes up 4'x4'x5', and an average 1,500 square foot home will use 2 to 4 tons per season. |
As far as fuel, all you need is electricity to keep this appliance running smoothly. No need for storage of wood or pellets. A completely hands-free fireplace. |
Coal should be kept dry. Three ton (bulk) takes about as much room as a cord of firewood and should supply the average home for a season. |