Burning Wood is Making a Big Comeback
During the 1870s, wood produced 75% of America"s energy. But over the years, coal and then oil, reduced wood use until by 1972, wood accounted for only 1% of the energy used in the United States. In the 1970s, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the energy crisis helped make wood burning an attractive alternative again.
More recently, environmental concerns and strict EPA regulations have helped wood stoves really come into their own. EPA-certified stoves now burn 72-82% more cleanly than those of the past, making wood's former reputation as a dirty fuel obsolete. Wood has a much higher BTU capacity than gas, and wood is also a renewable resource. Trees are being replanted at an unprecedented rate, which also helps improve air quality, as trees use carbon dioxide to produce more oxygen. Additionally, buying firewood keeps your energy dollars in the local economy.
What Does all This Mean to You?
You can count on wood being around as a reliable source of fuel for years to come. You don't have to be dependant on foreign fuel sources. And you will stay warm even if your power goes out.
Why Choose to Burn Wood?
Wood burning can be very economical, while also offering the additional benefits of a beautiful flame, relaxing warmth, and a romantic ambiance. When purchasing wood, you can buy seasoned wood, or you can buy less expensive greenwood to split and stack yourself. If you live on a wooded lot and have time and energy, you can produce your own firewood. Many people count on woodcutting and splitting to get them outside, using it as a form of exercise. There's an old-fashioned satisfaction in seeing the results of your labors, and a feeling of independence in producing your own fuel. You can also choose your fuel. Different woods have different qualities; some are notable for being easy to split, others for their BTU capacity.
Renewable Energy
When fossil fuels like heating oil are burned, carbon dioxide--the gas responsible for the greenhouse effect-- is released into the atmosphere. But when wood is burned, it's part of a natural cycle: A tree absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows; when a tree falls into decay or is burned as firewood, the carbon dioxide is released and gets absorbed again by other young trees. By practicing sustainable wood energy use and keeping our forests healthy, this cycle can be maintained virtually forever!
Environmentally Responsible
An open fireplace or antique stove may conjure fond memories, but they actually create pollution and yield very low energy efficiency. In contrast, most wood burning appliances are EPA certified and produce virtually no visible smoke or creosote. In fact many have been independently rated as the cleanest burning stoves in the world!
Safety First
Wood heaters comply to stringent U.L. safety regulations and are subjected to grueling durability tests to ensure your peace of mind when installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Energy Independence
Heating with wood offers independence from the rising costs of the utility companies. Even when your power goes out and all other conventional heating systems are useless, a wood burning stove
will keep you warm and self-sufficient.