Are wood burning stoves damaging to the environment?

Wood burning stoves have long been a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to heat their homes. Recently, there have been negative claims by the media regarding the impact that wood burning stoves have on the environment. Furthermore, we are becoming increasingly aware of how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us.

Below, we explore reasons why wood burning stoves can offer a sustainable, renewable, and carbon-neutral way to heat your home.

Wood is a renewable resource

Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, take millions of years to form and are finite resources. In comparison, trees can be grown and harvested in a relatively short period of time depending on the species and desired use. When trees are harvested for their wood, new trees can be planted to replace them.

When wood is replenished and harvested correctly, the result is a sustainable and renewable fuel source.

Moreover, trees have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This makes them an important tool in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The sustainability of wood as a resource depends on how it is managed.

Wood burning stoves are carbon neutral

Under the right conditions, wood burning stoves are carbon neutral.

When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. If we replant trees at the same rate (or faster) than they are harvested, the carbon emissions from burning wood can be offset by the carbon sequestration of the new trees.

The carbon dioxide released during combustion is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide that the tree absorbed during its lifetime, therefore, it does not contribute to the overall levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore, burning wood becomes a carbon neutral process.

Eco 2022 stoves have been designed to be more efficient, reducing the amount of wood needed and therefore reducing carbon emissions.

Wood should be burned in a controlled and efficient manner to minimise its environmental impact.

Wood burning stoves are efficient

As wood burning stoves require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, they are more efficient than other heating systems.

A stove uses a closed combustion system that controls the flow of air to the fire. This system allows the wood to burn more completely and reduces heat loss. As a result, stoves like our Bassington ECO (shown below) typically have an efficiency of 80% or higher. In comparison, open fires can lose as much as 80% of the heat they generate up the chimney.

Additionally, wood burning stoves are designed to radiate heat into a room which is more efficient than heating an entire house with a central heating system. By positioning your stove in the room where heat is needed, heat is distributed directly to that space thus reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the entire house.

Wood burning stoves can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels

Gas and oil are non-renewable resources that are associated with a range of environmental problems. The use of fossil fuels is severely damaging our environment. One of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels is renewable energy. Renewable resources include solar, wind and timber. Homeowners can reduce their dependence on gas and oil by using a wood burning stove to heat their homes.

Furthermore, the cost of gas and oil soared to an all-time high in recent months. As a result, many households are looking to reduce their monthly bills. Research from the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) supports that seasoned wood is now the cheapest domestic fuel for heating. For the average household (under the current price cap) a stove is approximately 33% cheaper than electric heating and 13% cheaper than gas central heating.

Selective removal of trees from managed forests and woodlands benefits wildlife

This is one of the reasons that Capital Fireplaces are proud to support The National Forest in their initiative to grow and create woodland habitats.

Forests and woodlands need to be managed effectively in order to create habitats for wildlife. Harvesting forests and woodlands opens up the tree canopy. Letting more sunlight through to the forest floor results in increased plant diversity. An increase in plant diversity attracts more wildlife, boosting the forest ecosystem. Some species of wildlife need open spaces to survive. Therefore, it can be more beneficial to the wildlife if existing trees are removed or not replanted after the timber has been harvested.

It is important that wood is harvested and managed in a sustainable way that preserves the health of the forest ecosystem.