The Benefits
How Wood Heat Is Carbon Beneficial
A tree's lifecycle plays an important role in the carbon cycle. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon. When a tree dies (decomposing on the forest floor, for example) or is burned for heat, it releases the carbon it has stored as carbon dioxide.
With forest management practices, the cycle of harvesting wood for heat, planting new growth and recapturing the carbon from the Earth's atmosphere can be sustained indefinitely. When fossil fuels like natural gas, coal or fuel oil are burned, they release carbon that has been stored in the earth for millions of years. This carbon cannot be recaptured the same way trees are able to during their natural lifecycle.
The general consensus is that using wood for heat is carbon beneficial or carbon "better" than using fossil fuels like oil or natural gas for space heating
What other benefits are realized from wood heat? Perhaps the Number One benefit is the savings people enjoy when they eliminate their high heating bills. Curious how much you could save? Try this free calculator to find out.
There are numerous other benefits, including, but not limited to:
Energy independence
Many self-reliant people enjoy the idea of providing their own energy for heat
Energy independence
Increases domestic energy production, reducing dependence on foreign supplies
Diversifies Energy
Diversifies our energy supplies and reduces dependence on fossil fuels
Diversifies Energy
Provides jobs to rural communities and keeps energy dollars local
Diversifies Energy
Improves quality and value of our woodlands
Soil and Water
Improves soil and water quality
wildfire
Reduces wildfire risk
Pest
Pest management
Low Prices
Stable, lower prices - fossil fuel prices rise and fall dramatically
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