Wood Burning Fireplaces-A Threat Or A Benefit To Nature?

Wood burning fireplaces are probably one of the oldest fireplace heating system the world has ever known. But the debate on whether it is beneficial or destructive is still on going. A Wood fireplace is all what most users of these heating machines can afford. How do you balace out the arguments or both sides?

“Is It Bad?”

Wood burning fireplaces are known to burn the cheapest fuel because of the accessibility of wood on most locations. But a wood fireplace has also been casted out legally in some major cities in the US and some European nation. They are arguing that the effects of the smoke that comes from a wood fireplace is unsafe and can damage the respiratory systems of the people around it; and also how wood burning fireplaces contributes to the air pollutants that makes it toxic. The weather, they said, aggravates the particulate pollution brought about by wood burning fireplaces. Summer lets the smog float on air which damages the ozone, but the worst time of the year for the smoke of a wood fireplace to harm the environment comes every winter when tons of particulates, damage the air. They claim that the smoke that originates from a wood fireplace are forty times more dangerous that smoking cigars and tobacco. But these concerned citizens and organizations are not only condemning wood burning fireplaces but also some restaurants and cafes that are cooking their food by burning wood. 

“Is It Good?”

Wood burning fireplaces release smoke that is called carbon neutral. This means that the smoke coming from a wood fireplace only releases the carbon that it absorbed while the tree was growing. Moreover, it can never be denied that wood burnt on a wood fireplace is indeed a renewable energy, which is beneficial to the environment because you don’t deplete Mother Nature’s resources. Although it may be obvious that a wood fireplace belches out a smoke, this will not cause enough damage to your health if a good seasoned wood is used. Wood burning fireplaces should use woods that are dried out for at least two winters and then wait for another six to seven months to be covered outside. These woods are perfect for wood burning fireplaces and will not spew that smoke that environmental concerned organizations are arguing about. So be sure that you don’t burn fresh wood on those wood burning fireplaces, because fresh wood takes longer to burn and releases a dark smoke. It is also important to guarantee that your wood fireplace has been inspected and approved in accordance to your local government’s standards. Keeping your wood fireplaces, including the chimneys, is cleaned and maintained regularly is helpful.

The truth is wood burning fireplaces are only dangerous if one is not aware on how to use them safely and properly, if this is so, an appropriate and timely education of the people using them will greatly decrease the dark smoke that they complain about. So if you decide to use these heating system or is already using one, take it upon yourself to be informed on how you can contribute to the safety of your own environment and not to its destruction.