Home improvements in uncertain times: Lasting benefits of wood heat

Concerned by wildly fluctuating home heating costs -- and the toll fossil fuels are taking on the environment? Converting to wood heat is something homeowners should consider as they make a list of must-have home improvements.

In today's financial climate, individuals are thinking through renovations more carefully and focusing on the ones that make the most fiscal sense. "Green" modifications top the list of recession-proof upgrades that will hold their value.

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), sustainable and renewable products and appliances are in high demand. In fact, buyers are willing to spend more on a home offering green features that improve efficiency, according to the February 2008 survey of residential architects. With that in mind, the installation of a high efficiency wood boiler, like those offered by Greenwood Technologies, should be a renovation homeowners consider this year.

Reliable savings: According to Environment Canada, wood heat saves homeowners up to 70 percent over traditional heating fuels. In addition, wood is not subject to the high and unstable prices of traditional fuels. Because of these factors, Greenwood systems are able to pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years.

Renewable: Wood heat is environmentally beneficial in many ways -- wood is a renewable resource. Whether wood is burned or trees decay on the ground, the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere to be used by other trees. The carbon dioxide is merely moving between the atmosphere and sequestration in wood, making it carbon neutral.

In addition, homeowners can typically locate enough wood to fuel their furnace without the need to purchase any additional wood. That saves money and resources. Greenwood systems use 50 percent less wood than other manufacturers, making them even more environmentally friendly.

Efficient: Efficiency is another green feature of wood heat. Greenwood boilers burn wood at 2000 F. Combustion efficiency is very high, assuring maximum gasification of the wood fuel. Very little smoke and ash is created, limiting the amount of particulate matter entering the flue, and a relatively small amount of heat is lost up a chimney. That means that the occupants of a home, barn, garage, or whatever space is being heated benefit from maximum heat. It also means they don't have to rely on other heating systems and fuels as much to keep warm. Maintaining a consistent temperature with minimal energy output is green all the way.

Flexible: Today's wood-fired central heating systems come in a variety of energy-saving models and may be located indoors or outdoors for convenience or preference. In most situations, the wood furnace is tied to the existing heating system -- forced air, hot water baseboard and radiant -- and used for a homeowner's primary heating needs. The existing system acts as a backup and provides a quick burst of warmth on a chilly morning or when the homeowner is away for an extended period of time.

Learn more about environmentally friendly wood heat by calling (800) 959-9184 or on the Web at www.GreenwoodUSA.com.