West Dorset Living Oct - Nov 2021

WOOD BURNING STOVES
The importance of wood as an efficient, renewable and low carbon energy source
Wood burners vs Open fires: the stats:- There are few things in life
more comforting and mesmerising than the long, lazy flames and
crackling sound of a freshly lit wood fire, however, there is some
confusion surrounding the impact of wood burning stoves on the
environment and the efficiency and sustainability of firewood as a
fuel source.
With air quality an ever growing issue, especially in urban areas, it
is vital that government, stove manufacturers, dealerships and fuel
suppliers alike, work together to educate Brits that by following
best practice and making the right choices when it comes to wood
burners and fuel, stove owners can ensure that they are getting the
best possible performance from their appliance whilst also playing
their part in protecting the environment.
Contrary to popular opinion, when used and maintained correctly,
the right appliance can provide an efficient, cost effective and
sustainable domestic heating solution. Likewise, firewood is a highly
efficient and low-carbon energy source.
Why is wood a good fuel option?
Unlike coal or natural gas, wood is a low-carbon fuel. This means
that burning wood results in a relatively small net release of carbon
dioxide into the atmosphere, which is then re-absorbed when new
trees grow. This effectively balances out the combustion of bio-energy.
When changing from smokeless or mineral fuels to burning wood,
this contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil and natural gas, wood is
a renewable energy source. A renewable resource is defined as a
natural resource which can be replenished to replace the portion
depleted by usage.
Wood is renewable in that a tree cut for fuel will naturally be replaced
by a younger tree that grows or is planted in its place. However,
it is also important to consider the concept of sustainable forest
management; both locally and worldwide…
Most firewood is produced from thinning the forest to provide
space, nutrition and light for thicker, more established trees to
prosper. Localised coppicing helps to ensure ‘low fuel miles’ as
wood is transported to areas nearby, within a 30 to 100 mile radius,
rather than sourced from forests abroad.
How efficient is wood burning?
Using firewood contributes to fuel independence as it can nearly
always be sourced locally, within a 30-100-mile radius, which means
it extremely efficient in fuel miles terms and those purchasing
firewood are also supporting the local economy.
In the case of rural properties that do not necessarily want to heat all
spaces at all times, local space heating using firewood is the most
efficient heating solution.
Just two logs per hour are required to keep a wood burner going,
whilst eight logs are needed to burn for an hour in an open fire.
Similarly, a wood burning stove is 60 percent more efficient at
heating the home as heat transfer is convected into the room rather
than being lost up the chimney in the case of conventional open
fireplaces.
It is advisable to replace an open fireplace with a closed wood
burning stove.
For more information, visit www.contura.eu.
Visit our showrooms in October and November for exciting offers
WOOD BURNER & GAS
SHOWROOM
Millers Close, Dorchester DT1 1SS
01305 751700
Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9.30am - 4pm
ELECTRIC & FIREPLACE
SHOWROOM
13 Buttermarket, Poundbury DT1 3AZ
01305 259007
Open Tuesday to Saturday
10am - 4pm
www.fireplaceandstovecentre.co.uk
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