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In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today’s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.

Modern gas fireplaces are relatively efficient and don't burn excessive amounts of gas, especially compared to older models. A gas fireplace might use between 10,000 to 40,000 BTUs per hour; the total amount of gas used depends on the fireplace's size, heat output, and how often it's in use. To help keep your running costs down, consider using a thermostat and turning off the fireplace when not needed to minimize gas consumption

You should clean the ashes from your wood stove at least once a week during the heating season to maintain efficiency and safety. Additionally, it's crucial to have a professional clean the chimney and flue annually to remove creosote buildup, which can pose a fire hazard and affect the stove's performance. Regular cleaning ensures optimal operation and reduces the risk of harmful emissions.

Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.