It’s a concern for many people...am I making environmentally conscious choices? If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint and have done some research, you may be worried that your beloved fireplace isn’t the best choice for the environment. You love the aesthetic appeal (and the toasty evenings), and don’t want to give it up...what can you do?
Go Gas. Going “green” with your fireplace can be as easy as switching the method you use with it. Gas burns cleaner; wood releases smoke which contributes carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Gas also doesn’t cut down trees, which is another aspect of the environmental concern about fireplaces. That’s the good news, but it gets better; switching from wood burning to gas can actually make heating with your fireplace more efficient. Some sources show that gas can be more than 80% more efficient for heating than wood.
True fans of wood-burning will say...but, it’s not like a “real” fire.
If you’re lamenting the loss of the log, don’t! Realistic gas logs are available (as well as rocks, for a more contemporary look), and there’s nothing quite like experiencing the ease of lighting a fireplace with the flick of a switch. The primal experience of lighting a fire the old way has many things to recommend it...but one of the great gifts of the 21st century is the ability to enjoy the warmth of the fire with the push of a button.
Converting your fireplace to gas burning can also be a chance to revitalize its look; we have a long list of vendors that offer mantels that vary from rustic to sleek.
Pellets, Perhaps? If you aren’t keen on the idea of gas as an option, pellet stoves are another alternative. Pellet stoves burn compressed sawdust, tree bark, and agricultural waste, meaning they aren’t contributing to deforestation, and they heat efficiently while producing very little pollution.
Do I Have To? Of course, some may be reluctant to give up burning wood entirely...even if they want to do something about the environmental impact. There are a few practices that can lower the carbon footprint of a wood-burning fireplace, and they’re good choices, no matter what your motivation…
Buy wood from a reputable (and renewable) source. If you aren’t cutting your own wood, try to look for sources that cut in a way that doesn’t damage forests or ones that replenish/harvest responsibly.
Burn wood correctly. It’s never a good idea to burn “wet”, uncured wood, and if you endeavor not to do this, you can decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that’s released into the air.
Accessorize, accessorize. It may seem simplistic, but using a few key accessories can cut down your fireplace's pollution factor. This can be as complex as using a catalytic combustor, or as simple as adding fireplace doors, or other elements to make sure your fireplace is heating efficiently.
Contact us with questions about how to responsibly install a fireplace, convert an existing one to gas, or purchase an efficient pellet stove. At American Chimney, we love talking about fireplaces and sharing our expertise to ensure that you have a fireplace you enjoy, and feel good about.
