One of the most helpful heating devices today is a wood-burning stove. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of myths and uncertainties surrounding wood-burning stoves. From installation to safety, it seems that everyone has something to say about them. We will debunk some of these myths to help you make a more informed decision when buying a wood-burning stove:
1. It Harms the Environment
This is one of the most common myths surrounding wood heat. Some people believe burning wood for heat is bad for the environment since it produces carbon dioxide. However, wood burning actually has a much smaller carbon footprint than other heating sources.
Depending on the type of wood you burn, you could get 2 to 3 times the heat out of it than what it produces. Plus, wood-burning stoves are more efficient than most other heating systems, so they use less fuel.
2. It’s Less Efficient Than an Open Fireplace
Another common myth is that a wood-burning stove is less efficient than an open fire. While it is true that you have to burn more wood in a furnace, it’s actually the opposite when it comes to efficiency.
Wood burning stoves are much more efficient than open fireplaces. In fact, some can reach up to 80% efficiency in converting wood into heat, compared to 40% for an open fireplace.
3. It’s Only Useful When There’s No Power
A wood-burning stove is useful and can still be used when there is power. In fact, it’s even more useful when you have power. Think of it as a way of both keeping your living room warm and lowering your electricity bill.
4. It’s Hard Work
While there is a learning curve when you first start burning wood, it’s still not that time-consuming. You don’t have to chop a whole tree down to get a good amount of wood. Some people even prefer burning wood to chopping it down since it’s much safer, which can be a lot of fun for the whole family.
5. You Can Use Any Types of Wood
Not all types of wood are good for burning. It is important to use the right types of wood for burning when it comes to efficiency and for the overall health of your wood-burning stove.
As a general rule of thumb, use hardwoods that are dense and burn hotter such as knotty pine and oak varieties. Because of their density, you can get the most heat out of the wood without having to add too much. The harder the wood is, the more carbon dioxide it can produce. This is why hardwood is more expensive than softwood, which burns less.
Get Your Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves are a great alternative to other methods of heat, especially during the colder months. With the increased efficiency of newer models and the decrease in installation cost, there really is no reason not to have a wood-burning stove. A stove can be a wonderful addition to your home, especially if you have a family to keep warm. So no more worries about harmful emissions, and no more concerns about heating costs. With a wood-burning stove, you can feel the heat of a crackling fire for a fraction of the price you would pay for an electric heater.
Do you need a wood stove in Scotland? Stove Scotland has multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves. We will work with you to ensure your stove fits the style and dimensions of your home perfectly. Contact us!
