Ever since the ancestors of Homo Sapiens huddled together in caves our species has been fascinated by fire. Not only was it a source of warmth, an asset which allowed us to explore the wonders of cooked food, but there was also something about the sound of crackling logs and the dancing flames that entranced us. These are only some of the reasons that many people today opt for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves in their homes.
Woodburning stoves are becoming increasingly popular in part due to concerns about the environment. The burning of natural gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. So does burning wood, but in many instances, wood is harvested from sustainable sources. New trees are planted to replace those that are harvested for use in homes. Unline the use of natural gas – burning wood is a sustainable practice. In fact, burning wood releases about the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere as would a tree when it naturally decays.
However, those who want to burn wood can take steps to make the process even more efficient – and allow the wood to provide superior heating. One of the ways is to ensure that the moisture content of the wood is as low as possible. Wood with a moisture content of less than around 20% will provide twice the heat than wood containing excess moisture. If the homeowner is buying unseasoned wood then a dry storage area is essential. Wood should be left to dry (or become ‘seasoned’) for around two years before being used.
However, due to the fact that the burning of wood is becoming increasingly popular dealers of seasoned wood are becoming easier to access. Homeowners who can source their wood from a local dealer will benefit from not only the superior heating characteristics of wood – but also have the peace of mind of knowing that they are reducing the effects of burning fossil fuels – which can be the result of long transportation routes – including the import of wood.
Wood can also contribute to warming the water used in the house and reduce heating bills related to heaters that rely on external electricity supply.
Woodburning stoves are practical and can significantly reduce household expenditure. Open wood burning fires are simply beautiful to behold and warm the house wonderfully. They create an ambiance that simply cannot be matched by gas-fired units. Perhaps you should be joining the legions of homeowners who are enjoying the myriad of benefits that accrue from using natural fuel in the form of wood.
Whether you’re looking for a sustainable solution to heating your home or looking for a focal centre-piece in your newly decorated lounge a woodburning stove can provide the ideal solution.