Proper wood burning does not affect the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide level, and does not promote the greenhouse effect. Dry firewood will burn extremely clean in an efficient stone fireplace, thus producing the same level of carbon dioxide as would be released by the normal process of natural wood decay. This same applies for the nitrogen and sulphuric dioxide levels in comparison to the emission of fossil fuels.
Always Use Dry Wood
An environmentally conscious person always burns dry wood.
Energy Content of Firewood
The thermal value of different wood types is approximately 4.1 kWh/kg in 15% humidity. The energy content of 2.5 kg of firewood equals that of one liter of oil. One cubic meter of firewood releases an equal amount of energy as 190 liters of heating oil.
An efficient fireplace dramatically reduces electrical and oil consumption necessary during the winter. Normally, over half of the home’s annual heating consumption is incurred in the three coldest months of winter. When an efficient fireplace is used during the heating season, it supplies over 50% of the required heat output, while consuming only 10% of the total annual thermal energy requirement. On average three cords of firewood is needed to achieve results.
In an efficient soapstone fireplace, the firewood burns cleanly, with an even draft and hot flame. Thermal energy is quickly stored in the fireplace’s stone, which releases heat slowly and evenly into the room. The fireplace produces minimal emissions. The smoke gases produced by burning wood contain very few substances harmful to the atmosphere. The sulfur level found in wood is approximately 0.05%, making sulfur dioxide amounts in smoke gases very low. The nitrogen level in wood is negligible.
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