That is right, if managed properly, which our government encourages it will last for generations to come. By managing it properly we do not deplete our resource now or for future generations. Burning wood will release the stored energy, some may argue that it is not clean. However when net energy is considered it is actually far cleaner than oil and somewhat cleaner than natural gas. During the depth of winter, it’s like having a bit of summer sun on your hearth.
2. Wood Does Not Significantly Contribute To Global Warming
All fuels we burn release carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.
When you burn fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas is like pumping carbon dioxide from the centre of the earth into the atmosphere – a one-way trip.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, burning the wood releases this same carbon back into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide can then be released by younger growing trees. Trees essentially recycle carbon dioxide. Some will argue the release is far more faster than natural release, which is in some cases correct.
However regardless of speed, it is no faster than that of natural gas, propane or fuel oil. And as a net contributor is less than either gas or oil (net contributor takes into account energy used during extraction from earth, refining/processing, transportation, etc). Because trees recycle carbon dioxide, burning wood warms you, not the globe.
3. You Control Your Bank Account
Control you spend each month. Stop sending huge sums of money to the utility, and use wood to heat or supplement your heat. In Ontario, keeping warm is on the top of most lists in the important things in life. Take control of that item, and manage it. Furthermore by working with local suppliers of wood, the money stays in the local community.
4. Stay Warm During Power Outages
While power outages are not as common as even a decade ago, they still do exist. Your wood stove keeps on burning. Storms may knock the electricity off, the heat remains. In fact a power failure can be kind of fun, using the wood stove and candles or kerosene lamps.
5. Wood Heat Warms Like No Other Heat
Wood heat is radiant, like the suns rays. It warms like the sun itself. Come inside on a cold winter day, stand near the fire rubbing your hands. It is one of the benefits and pleasures of having a wood stove in the living room.
6. Wood Fires Are Romantic
We love to have a crackling fire for intimate conversations. A favorite place for friends and family. Sitting watching the flickering flame. It somehow takes you away from the harsh world outside – you’ll find solace there in the flames.
7. Increase Your Energy Intelligence
What nasty things to the environment are you saving by throwing a stick of wood into the firebox versus turning up the thermostat. One armful of wood will last all day long. Learn and research it yourself, while some will push back and say they pollute, fact is EPA certified stoves, properly installed and used actually contribute less net green house gasses to the environment than do our traditional fossil fuels.
8.Heat Your Space & Save Energy
If you use wood heat as a supplemental source, then by placing your wood stove in a strategic location, perhaps the living room, you can keep that room warm and cozy and save energy overall.
9. Spend Your Money Locally
Pay utility companies and your hard earned dollars are sent across the country and globe. None of it remains in the local community. Buying a cord of firewood which is cut, split and dried locally puts the money back into the community. Yes you still spend money, but it is local and the person you help support will thank you over and over.
10. Wood May Be Cheaper
This really depends on what you use today, and where you live. However while in some locations wood is the lowest cost option, in others it may not necessarily be. But even if it is not the lowest cost fuel there are other advantages to wood heat.