Pros

• Aesthetics of the fire—smell, crackling sound, glow
• The experience of chopping wood and actually building a fire
• Firewood is more readily available in some areas
• Can be used to supplement the furnace to heat home, reduce heating bills

Cons

• Cleaning the fireplace, hauling ashes, sooting
• Cost of wood is greater than gas in most areas and is rising
• Requires a chimney, chase, footings, etc.
• May cause odors and particulates in the air
• Requires continuous maintenance to keep fire burning
• Peaks and valleys in heat output