There is nothing like a wood fire. The heat is constant, it doesn't fluctuate like a furnace does and just seems to warm the whole house through. The house is warm a long time after the fire goes out.
But I hate paying for wood. I collect what I can for free but won't buy it. If I have to pay for heat I'd rather buy propane. It's a lot cleaner, it doesn't leave bark all over the floor, I don't have to carry it and I don't have to get rid of the ashes!
Brian
ps. ashes are good for your garden, especially hard wood ash. Add some to the compost pile.