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Woodstove Heat

People have been staying warm by the heat of a wood fire since close to the beginning of time.  Lumber is one of the most plentiful forms of biomass energy  and used the correct way can still make sense in a green way.  In order to use firewood in an eco-friendly way a little knowledge, and a good woodstove, is needed.  The goal is to use wood in a way to get the most energy possible while doing the least amount of environmental damage.

Does burning wood damage the environment?  Sure it does, but probably not to the extent you may think.  Woodstove heat does produce it's share of soot and harmful gasses, this part is true.  But at the same time burning wood is considered carbon neutral.  In very simple terms wood rotting on the ground releases as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as wood burning.  Because of it's neutral standing it can still be considered an alternative, renewable energy source.  It is, however, our responsibility to use it wisely.

Sometime in the eighties it was noticed that woodstoves were ruining our air quality.  The EPA was fast to take action and set very stiff standards for all new woodstoves.  Standards so stiff in fact, many did not think stove manufacturers could possibly comply and stay in business.  They did and woodstoves changed for the better with several lasting benefits.  Air pollution was cut by 90% and heat efficiency increased by about one third.  The regulations also resulted in new research that would not have taken place otherwise.  We now know a lot more about how to use wood in better, more eco-friendly ways to create heat.  The new stoves being manufactured today offer efficient, user friendly, heating systems.

Normal fireplaces are generally a huge waste of firewood.  They do very little to heat a home and in some cases do just the opposite.  Cold air is drawn into the house through window and door cracks as hot air goes up the chimney.  If this is what you have and there for insist on using it here are a few suggestions.  When starting your fire, open a nearby door or window.  This allows the initial rush of air caused by the fire a fast place to exit, out of the house.  You are better off burning big hot fires as opposed to little ones.  A fireplace grit is more effective than placing your wood on the fireplace base.  Be sure and close the damper when the fire is not burning, or better still, get a chimney pillow to completely seal off the chimney.  Burning the best types of wood will also increase efficiency and these will be discussed further down the page.

Wood burning stoves are much more efficient than the standard fireplace.  The wood burns in a special chamber allowing for a better combustion due to the heat regulating properties.  A more efficient dispersion of heat is also provided by woodstoves.  The efficiency of a woodstove is determined by several factors, one being whether it is a closed vent system or an open vent system.  A closed vent system draws air from outside the home while an open vent system uses room air.  The air used in an open vent stove comes into the home through the cracks and air leaks you may have.  This is drawing cold air in from outside the home, the same effect as your fireplace has.  Closed vent systems are not only more efficient they are safer.  Carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide hazards are both concerns with open systems.

Another option with woodstoves is whether it is freestanding or an insert.  While freestanding stoves are more efficient, inserts have a real value also.  Inserts are manufactured to go into your poor performing fireplace and turn it into a heat producing machine.

The type of wood you use for your stove is an important factor that needs to be looked at.  Not all wood burns the same.  From an environmental standpoint it is best to use dead trees or possibly doomed trees.  If for some reason you cut a tree down for the purpose of burning be kind and plant a new one in its place.

Hardwoods are always your best choice for heating your home.  They produce more Btu per unit weight and deposit less creosote into your system.  Many people opt for softwoods because of the cheaper price, but they are not the best value.  You will get more heat per dollar with hardwoods.  Use well seasoned wood.  Firewood should be split, stacked and let air out for at least six months before using.  Green, or wet, wood will burn as hot and will put a lot of crud into your chimney and the air.  The only time green wood is good is when you buy it in the spring and let it sit all summer.  If you find the right supplier this can be a real money saver.

Lastly, we would like to mention a few things you should never burn in your woodstove or fireplace.  Trash and garbage do not belong in your stove, nor do paper wastes or any painted or stained lumber.