Choose a Fuel

All Choices Are Good Choices

At Quadra-Fire, we believe that there’s a fuel type and product model that will satisfy your heating requirements, lifestyle requirements, and emotional needs.

	WOOD	GAS	PELLET/CORN
FIRE STARTING	Paper, kindling & matches. Building a wood fire is considered an art form. The family fire builder earns well-deserved respect.	Flip a switch on the remote - or turn up the wall thermostat. The perfect fire solution for those on the go.	Wall thermostat controls automatic ignition system. Unattended operation is possible as long as pellet appliance is filled with fuel.
TYPE OF HEAT	A mix between radiant and convection heat. Requires some attention to get a steady house temperature. Area around the appliance is warmer due to radiant and convection heat.	Gas appliances, like wood, provide both radiant and convection heat. Gas appliances can be operated manually or remotely using a wall thermostat and a remote thermostat transmitter.	Pellet appliances heat primarily with convection heat and then blow hot air through the heat exchanger out into the home area. Some radiant heat is delivered off the glass door.
FIRE CHARACTERISTICS	Wood fires have their own personality. They light slowly and steadily, building to engulf the wood logs. The fire can remain powerful throughout the burn, or it can be slowed to a mystical flame as the wood is turned to coal and the smoke is burned.	Gas fires are very consistent. They are usually designed to include partially burned ceramic logs and glowing coals. Gas flames rise up through the logs to replicate the look and feel of a wood fire. The fire can be easily made bigger or small to fit the desired heat output or visual look.	The fire of a pellet appliance is concentrated in the firepot and very active. On low, the fire typically extends to the top of the firepot creating a soft glow. On high the fire extends 4 to 8+ inches above the firepot creating a bright, powerful fire. The fire will light each time the thermostat calls for heat.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE	Inspect chimney twice a season and clean as needed. Clean glass and remove ashes from firebox periodically. When handling wood fuel be aware that bark and ash get on the hearth in front of wood appliance. A hearth toolset is often desirable.	Gas appliances require annual maintenance by a qualified technician. Clean glass as needed. Change batteries in remote transmitter and receiver as needed.	Clean firepot daily, or twice daily as needed. Empty ash drawer and clean firebox ash weekly or as needed. Clean ash and dust that collects on and around the hearth as the appliance is filled, and the ash is removed. Clean glass as needed.
FUEL STORAGE & HANDLING	A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet when split and stacked 4'x4'x8'. A typical 1500 square foot house heating with wood will use between 2 to 4 cords per season depending on climate. Plan ahead - gather and store your wood in an appropriate storage space, and allow to dry before use.	Natural gas is supplied by pipeline to your house, if available in your area. If not, propane/LP gas can be delivered to your home and stored outside in an above ground tank. Gas is plumbed to the gas appliance and no other fuel handling is required.	Pellets are normally available in 40 lb. bags. Corn is typically stored in 50 lb. bags. Bulk corn can be stored in metal garbage cans with lids. A ton of pellets takes up approximately 4'x4'x5'. A typical 1500 square foot house will use 2 to 4 tons per season, depending on climate.