If you are looking for a heating system that is both energy efficient and economical, consider purchasing a pellet stove or fireplace insert. A pellet stove is often cheaper to install than a conventional wood-burning heater.

Pellet stoves and fireplace inserts burn very efficiently, and there is very little ash to clean up. Many models have automatic cleaning cycles, which make maintenance even easier. They also have extra-large ash pans so that you can burn nearly a ton of pellets before emptying is needed.