In today’s world, we find that
almost all homes are heated by either oil or gas. Both of
these fossil fuels have become very expensive as the supply
for the most part is from some far and distant place in the
world.
Heating with wood burning stoves and fireplaces has become more economical as
fossil fuels have increased in cost to more than four
dollars a gallon in recent months. In addition, wood is a
homegrown renewable energy source that is more
environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
As good stewards of our
environment, we are concerned about the effects of global
warming and climate change by the emission of carbon
dioxide, the green house gas that is the primary culprit of
global warming and climate change.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide
during their growth cycle from the atmosphere and therefore
are considered atmospheric cleaners, reducing carbon dioxide
and the greenhouse affect.
Not only does heating with wood with a
wood stove
saves money on fuel oil cost, it also provides invigorating
exercise; the cutting, splitting, stacking for drying,
hauling it inside, and the final act of taking out the
ashes.
It also provides direct heat for
warming on cold winter days and nights. There are few things
that are as comforting as watching the lazy flames of a wood
fire on a cold winter night. It also provides a great backup
source for heating and a means for limited cooking during
power outages.