Electric heaters are indeed a viable option for heating houses, and they are widely used in many parts of the world for this purpose. However, there are several reasons why wood or coal stoves and fireplaces are still used in certain regions:
Cost: In some areas, especially where electricity prices are high, using electric heaters can be more expensive than burning wood or coal for heating. Wood and coal might be more economical options for some households, particularly if they have easy access to these fuels.
Availability of Electricity: In remote or rural areas, access to electricity may be limited or unreliable, making it impractical or challenging to rely solely on electric heaters.
Tradition and Culture: In certain regions, the use of wood or coal stoves and fireplaces has deep cultural or historical significance. People may prefer to use these methods for heating due to tradition or nostalgia.
Backup Heating: Some people use wood or coal stoves and fireplaces as a backup heating source during power outages or emergencies when electric heaters may not be functional.
While electric heaters are generally cleaner and more convenient to use, burning wood and coal in stoves and fireplaces can indeed release harmful gases and particulate matter into the air. This can lead to indoor air pollution and contribute to environmental pollution, which is a significant concern.
To address these environmental and health issues, many regions are promoting the use of cleaner and more efficient heating options, such as electric heat pumps, natural gas heaters, or pellet stoves, which use compressed biomass pellets as a renewable and cleaner alternative to traditional wood or coal. Additionally, advancements in technology and increasing awareness of environmental impacts are encouraging more households to transition to electric heating or other eco-friendly options.