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Energy Conservation |
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Energy Conservation |
Heating with
wood 
This time of year many Americans supplement their heat with wood fires, either in a fireplace or woodstove. This not only helps to heat target areas in the home conserving fuel oil but lends ambience to the home. Sitting by a cozy warm fire is part of the charm of living in the north. Some things to consider when preparing for this winter's supplementary heat source.
Buy your firewood locally. (Many areas of Michigan have a firewood
movement quarantine due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.)
Woodstoves and fireplaces can be hugely energy inefficient and actually lose
more energy than they save. Make sure yours are in top shape and efficient.
Make sure that your fireplaces and woodstoves are clean to prevent chimney
fires.
Never leave a fire unattended, and use a screen to keep embers from jumping into
your living areas.
Burning seasoned hardwood generates a fire that is hotter and has more
efficiency per pound than softer light woods. They also produce\ less creosote
to clog the chimney with.
Check
out these websites for more information about heating with wood
Clemson Extension
- Home Heating with Wood
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001201-d001300/d001235/d001235.html
Oklahoma State University Cooperative
Extension - Heating with Wood Series
http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-276
News Release: Do You Waste Money by Heating
With Wood?
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001101-d001200/d001154/d001154.html
Quebec Air Quality - Wood heat
http://www.menv.gouv.qc.ca/air/chauf-bois/index-en.htm
If you have any questions about this
webpage or
any other natural resources topic contact Beth
Clawson or call 269-657-8213.
Last modified: December, 2007
