Burning wood is good for the environment

Wood burning stoves are good for the environment.

The “green” benefits of burning wood are gaining wider and wider support every year. Burning wood cleanly only releases the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere from a tree as when it is left to rot naturally as it would do at the end of its life cycle. What is more, harvested trees are replaced with new trees, which in turn absorb CO2 in the process of photosynthesis as they grow.

The important aspect of this argument is that the wood is burnt correctly, using a modern, efficient stove that employs secondary and even tertiary burning. As a result of these extra burning systems, as much of the combustible material as possible is used to generate heat. This also will reduce the amount of alternative gas or electricity you would have used which again is good for the environment.

Getting the best result.

To get the best from any wood burning stove it is important that the wood which you burn has a moisture content of less than 20% – otherwise some of the heat is wasted boiling the water in the wood instead of generating warmth. In fact burning wood with a moisture level of below 20% will give twice the heat output of freshly felled timber, and will also help to reduce a build-up of tar in your flue.

To achieve this correct moisture level, the wood needs to be “seasoned”, for example kept for about two years. So, a decent outside storage unit is advisable – something that will allow an airflow over the wood but also keep it dry.

Can we assist.

If you are thinking of installing a wood burning stove and need assistance please do make contact and one of our qualified fitters who will be happy to help. http://kent-stoves.com/