The 5 biggest advantages of heating with wood
Wood is not only the oldest fuel in human history. There are many good reasons to still (or again) heat with wood today. An overview:
1. Reliable supply - Heat that grows back
In Germany there are around 11.4 million hectares of forest. This corresponds to about 32 percent of the country's total area and about 3.7 billion solid cubic metres of wood. The good thing is that wood is a constantly renewable raw material. It is not for nothing that the term sustainability originally comes from forestry. It was coined by Hans Carl von Carlowitz. As early as 300 years ago, he correctly demanded that for long-term forest management, only as much wood should be harvested as will grow back again. According to the German Forest Farmers' Association, in this country, the growth is even greater than the consumption.
2. Domestic fuel - on the doorstep
The short and fast routes for purchasing wood are unbeatable. Wood does not need to be driven over thousands of kilometres. The ecological impact of the removal, transport and processing is correspondingly low. Firewood is regionally available everywhere and is supplied by local timber merchants and timber farmers.
Find timber merchants in your region on our website.
3. Environment and climate– all in balance
Plants and trees constantly convert the energy of sunlight into biomass. This process is called photosynthesis. To do this, the plant takes CO2 from the atmosphere. The carbon (C) is used for growth, the oxygen (O2) is released. Wood is therefore pure stored solar energy that can be used as desired. When it is burnt, wood shows its great advantage over fossil fuels such as petroleum: only as much CO2 is produced as the tree absorbed during its growth. Heating with wood is therefore climate-neutral. Anyone who heats with wood contributes significantly to climate protection.
BRUNNER expert for specialist training and graduate physicist, Klaus Leihkamm, says: "The calculation only works if the combustion process is optimal and clean. When buying, pay attention to the quality of the fuel. Certified pellets are optimal. Logs and wood chips should be natural, stored long enough and dry. The BRUNNER - EOS electronic stove control ensures efficient combustion while harvesting the best heat.”
4. Stable costs - wood pays off
Unlike the price of oil, which can fluctuate greatly on a daily basis, the price of wood is considerably cheaper, more stable and the costs can be calculated accordingly. The cheapest wood for stoves and fireplaces is wood that you cut or collect yourself. Information can be obtained from local forestry offices. They designate certain areas where an agreed amount of wood may be collected. A cubic metre usually costs between 25 and 30 euros. However, the wood is fresh and must first be stored. To cut wood yourself, you need a so-called "firewood licence". As a rule, however, laypersons rarely receive a cutting permit. Generally speaking, the more refined the wood, the more expensive it is. Hence the price difference between wood chips, logs and pellets.
5. Atmosphere – Cosy and pleasant
When the last oil boiler goes out, there's always the wood fire. And that feels so good! Maybe it's stored somewhere in the human genes: Wherever there's a fire, you're drawn to it. Fire means security and above all warmth. This has become a matter of course in today's everyday life, almost no one has to be cold any more - our ancestors did not have it so good hundreds and thousands of years ago. And yet fire retains its attraction and importance. It has always been a reliable companion of man. Atmosphere is one of the most important arguments when buying a stove or fireplace.
Here is a guide to the different types of wood fire stoves.
Conclusion
The advantages of wood as a fuel cannot be denied. A sustainable, domestic fuel that is also stable in terms of its cost structure. What more could you wish for?
Heating with wood is climate neutral. If you heat with wood, you contribute significantly to climate protection. However, make sure you use high-quality wood. The wood should be natural, stored long enough and it should be dry. The EOS electronic stove control can support you in making the best use of heat and efficient combustion.
