Further to the "wood is good" theme, burning wood to heat your home is considered carbon neutral. Wood smoke emissions, unlike oil and gas, are low in sulpher and nitrous oxides which combine together with water to form acid precipitation (Kerry Coleman). Regardless, anyone who heats with wood knows its warmth is different, much more pleasant and "homey" perhaps ellicitating archetypal feelings watching the flames flicker in the central part of the house.
However, there are some issues that need to be observed. You need dry, seasoned wood, preferably one year for hardwoods, less for soft woods. Burning wet wood will produce tar and creosote in your chimney and release particulate material which will annoy your neighbours due to incomplete combustion. Fine particulates (2.5 microns or smaller) can enter the respitory system and cause problems to some sensitive people. Inefficient appliances can emit fine particulates at the rate of 20 to 60 grams per hour burning at 10-20 per cent efficiency. Modern EPA approved wood burners release from 1.5 to 4 grams per hour and operate at 60 to 75 per cent efficiency. Your exhaust should be clear or white steam. Make sure your fireplace or stove is installed by a WETT certified contractor. And be careful with that chainsaw!
I use wood harvesting as part of the maintence of my property. Its cutting, handling, chopping and carrying, is a major component of my exercise regime, especially in the winter. That is free heat! I consider it a win-win situation!
However, there are some issues that need to be observed. You need dry, seasoned wood, preferably one year for hardwoods, less for soft woods. Burning wet wood will produce tar and creosote in your chimney and release particulate material which will annoy your neighbours due to incomplete combustion. Fine particulates (2.5 microns or smaller) can enter the respitory system and cause problems to some sensitive people. Inefficient appliances can emit fine particulates at the rate of 20 to 60 grams per hour burning at 10-20 per cent efficiency. Modern EPA approved wood burners release from 1.5 to 4 grams per hour and operate at 60 to 75 per cent efficiency. Your exhaust should be clear or white steam. Make sure your fireplace or stove is installed by a WETT certified contractor. And be careful with that chainsaw!
I use wood harvesting as part of the maintence of my property. Its cutting, handling, chopping and carrying, is a major component of my exercise regime, especially in the winter. That is free heat! I consider it a win-win situation!
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