Efficient, Convenient Wood Heating

More than one million Canadian families heat their homes at least partly with wood. For these households, wood is an important energy source, one that involves their active participation. Having control over the fuel supply offers security from electrical power interruptions and shelter from rising conventional energy costs.

Considering the many advantages for those who live at the urban fringe and beyond, wood heating is worth doing right. ''Done right'' means making sure the wood heating system is installed exactly to safety codes, preparing good quality firewood and operating the system using techniques that will produce the best efficiency and effectiveness.

System Design and Safety

''Advanced-technology wood-burning appliances,'' which have been available since 1990, are about one-third more efficient than older conventional units, such as 1970s and 80s ''airtight'' stoves. They are identified by their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification or compliance with CSA standard B415 of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for low smoke emissions. If you are planning a new wood-heating system or thinking of replacing your older stove, take advantage of the new technologies and save yourself time, money and work.

The chimney is a critical component of a wood-heating system. It is much more than a simple exhaust pipe. It is the engine that drives the system by producing the pressure difference, or draft, that draws in combustion air and expels exhaust outdoors. It is therefore vital that it be installed and maintained according to instructions for your burning appliance.

Buying and Preparing Firewood

Good quality firewood is essential for efficient and convenient wood heating. Good firewood is the right size for the appliance firebox and is properly seasoned.

While hardwoods like oak and maple are fine for very cold winter weather, softer woods like birch and poplar make better fuel for milder spring and fall weather.

Summary

• You cannot burn efficiently in an unsafe wood-burning system. Have your system inspected and upgraded if necessary before using these techniques.
• The biggest single efficiency boost you can achieve is by upgrading to an EPA/CSA B415-certified, low-emission, high-efficiency appliance.
• The length and piece size of your firewood should match the size of your appliance firebox.

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