Any comments or questions on this? I'm updating
the FAQ's this one will be added soon.
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Heating with Wood (FAQ)
Why do we need another FAQ on wood heat?
This FAQ presents a ecological view of wood heat
and diverges from traditional ideas.
Isn't wood heat a pollution source?
All energy sources have the potential
for pollution problems and wood heat
has a long history of problems. A better
question would be:
When is wood heat a healthy, ecological and
sustainable option?
The ideal use of wood heat combines efficient
house and stove design with local sources
of wood. When the wood source is local the
problems with air pollution are usually
not present. For example, a backyard woodlot managed
for wildlife and sustainable production helps
disperse any smoke and filter the air. Wood
hauling isn't necessary and scrap wood can be
collected with simple hand tools.
I've heard that efficient air tight houses are unhealthy when
used with woodstoves. Is this true?
Most areas have regulations or guidelines for installing
woodstoves. When followed, these guidelines solve most
problems. Things like venting and proximity to certain
materials are specified along with types of stoves and
efficiency ratings.
Can you give me an example of ecological wood heat?
Sure, but remember each site is different and it is
better to think about the design process or use a
check list.
Our house utilizes wood heat and requires about a
cord of wood per year. This comes from our small
woodlot and is burned using occasional very hot fires.
The hot fires are low in pollution and very efficient.
The heat is stored in the house (high thermal mass)
and is released slowly for days. The house is earth
sheltered and well insulated.
The wood is stored for at least one year before
burning and hand tools are used often. On sunny
days several solar collectors are used to help
heat the house.
The ecological impact in this example is local and
very small. Compared to heating with
electricity, fossil fuels, or traditional fireplaces
it is far enough ahead to begin suggesting a path
towards sustainable habitat.
Isn't handling firewood dangerous?
Yes, firewood handling can be dangerous. Of course, this
danger can be greatly reduced by knowledge and
caution. Probably, the biggest danger is using chainsaws
to fell trees. Here are some tips which may reduce the
danger:
1. Handle less wood. If your house only requires a cord
of wood then a gradual collection program and use of
scrap wood becomes practical.
2. Know how to use the tools. This is critical with
chainsaws but also includes all hand tools.
3. Be aware. Never work when tired and always know
what is overhead and where the feet are placed. Simply
placing feet in a firm spread will avoid many axe and
chainsaw problems.
Is there a simple checklist for designing a ecological wood
heating system?
Hopefully, ecological design will become part of
cultural knowledge and passed to each generation. Unfortunately,
at present these ideas are not well known. Any idea that is
outside cultural knowledge can appear complex so... this
check list may not appear "simple".
1. Begin the design process by thinking about the
bioregion's resources and what energy sources
are present.
2. Understand how thermal mass and insulation interact.
This is simple physics and not that complicated.
3. If a sustainable wood supply isn't close then look
at other options (solar, conservation, gas).
4. Research local regulations or guidelines.
5. If developing a woodlot assume it is possible to
sustainably extract about a cord of wood per acre.
Then, research "local" ecological woodlot management.
6. Think small. Small means less work, less cost,
and less ecological impact.
7. Survery woodstove options: Russian Stoves (high thermal mass),
catlitic stoves, fast burn stoves, etc.
Where can i find more information?
http://www.woodheat.org
(general information, somewhat traditional)
http://www.smartshelter.com/
(web ring and information)
http://www.webconx.com/wood_heat.htm
(easy to follow discussions of wood heat)
http://www.larsenfamily.com/russian_stove/
http://www.tempcast.com/
(suplier of masonry heaters)
http://gasnet.dundee.ac.uk/software/TomsHomebuildingPage.html
(mosty traditional building information but some alternatives)
http://www.garynorth.com/y2k/detail_.cfm/
Arguements against wood heat
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jeff owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
homepage - www.bctonline.com/users/jko
archives - [EMAIL PROTECTED]/
