Heat For Less

Benefits of Burning Wood

The environmental benefits of burning wood are substantial. Unlike systems that rely on fossil fuels, wood is a totally renewable resource, which, when burned, results in no net carbon dioxide increase. Carbon dioxide is part of the natural plant-growth cycle and occurs naturally when trees are allowed to rot on the forest floor. On the other hand, fossil fuels, when burned, release carbon dioxide which otherwise would stay trapped in the earth. This causes a net increase in carbon dioxide, which is believed to be responsible for the heat-trapping "greenhouse effect." In addition, harvesting firewood has a pruning effect on forests, which allows new growth to flourish. And the wood you burn most likely comes from your local area -- it's not imported, as is the case with oil.

Did you know...
Using wood as a heating fuel is endorsed by the U.S. Forestry Service.

By burning wood, a renewable resource, an average home will save enough nonrenewable fossil fuel to operate an automobile for a full year.

Natural Resources Canada says:
"Wood, however, differs from fossil fuels such as oil and gas because it is carbon neutral. The term "renewable" refers to the fact that trees recycle CO2. As a tree grows, it uses CO2 from the air as a source of carbon to build its structure. This carbon makes up about half of the weight of wood. When wood is burned, it decomposes rapidly, and CO2 is released into the atmosphere again. A similar amount of CO2 would be slowly released if the tree died and was left to rot on the forest floor. As a result, wood heating doesn't contribute to the problem of climate change the way fossil fuel use does."
"Wood is a renewable energy resource. And because trees recycle carbon dioxide, wood burning doesn't contribute to the problem of climate change."

Energy Costs: Get A Handle On Your Heating Bills.
Energy costs are a major household or business expenditure, especially in harsher winter climates. As a fuel source, wood -- in addition to being readily available and totally renewable -- is also very inexpensive compared to other fuel sources. In fact, the energy savings realized by heating with the Classic can often pay back the purchase price in the first two years. By adding a domestic water-to-water heat exchanger, the Classic can also provide all of your hot water. You can then turn your water heater off and realize big savings on your electric or gas bill. Over a ten-year period, a homeowner or business may save $10,000 to $50,000 or more on heating costs.

Efficiency Means More Heat From Less Wood.
The Classic outdoor wood furnace is the most efficient outdoor wood furnace, and has the lowest emissions. The Classic's energy efficient design maximizes the combustion and heat transfer process for better heat delivery. In other words, the Classic burns wood more completely and efficiently, and transfers more of the heat generated to your home. Current owners of the Classic report that they are using up to 25 to 50 percent less wood compared to traditional heating alternatives or other brands of outdoor wood furnaces. Indoor wood stoves can be less efficient because heated indoor air used for combustion is sent out the chimney, causing cold air to be drawn into the house to replace it.

It's Your Home. Why Not Enjoy It?
Your home is one of your biggest investments. It's where your family spends a considerable amount of time. And you spend a considerable amount of money making it comfortable and enjoyable. Firewood can be dirty, moldy and riddled with insects which can create a mess in your home. Burning wood indoors means smoke, ashes, odors, and an eventual buildup of soot on walls and ceilings. With the Classic, you avoid all of these problems because you don't have to bring firewood inside, and all burning takes place remotely, up to 500 feet away. Many Classic customers have also noticed that eliminating indoor burning has helped alleviate respiratory and allergy problems caused by exposure to moldy firewood, smoke, and ashes.

Burn Wood, Not Your Spare Time.
Continuous stoking of wood is a necessary part of fireplace and wood stove use. If you don't have the time or energy to continually babysit these heat sources, the Classic is your low-maintenance alternative. It burns larger pieces of wood -- up to 30 inches in diameter and 72 inches in length -- and there's no splitting, which dramatically reduces the time spent preparing the wood. The Classic also operates efficiently using seasoned or unseasoned wood. The large firebox door is designed for easy loading of wood and removal of ash. There's no costly chimney cleaning or upkeep, and other maintenance is simple, requiring only minutes to perform.