It’s particularly difficult for those who rely on a wood stove to escape the feeling that perhaps most of that hard-won heat may be whistling up the chimney rather than keeping them warm.

Anyone who heats with a wood stove knows that the experience is completely different from typical central heating. It’s not for everyone, though, and it’s certainly not without its trade-offs.

Pellet stoves can be a cost-effective means of heating your home, while adding coziness that’s similar to what you get with a traditional fireplace or wood-fired stove. Instead of burning ...