When it comes to heating your home, there are many options available, from electric heaters, heat pumps, gas furnaces and lots of things in between. However, one often overlooked option is burning firewood. But why does burning firewood for a heat source make sense for your home in Prince Edward County?
Cost-Effective Heating
Firewood is a cost-effective heating option for your home. In many areas, firewood is readily available and can be purchased at a lower cost compared to other heating sources. By investing in a good supply of firewood, you can save money on your heating bills in the long run.
I found a really interesting study from the US that compares different heating sources by cost per BTU.(British Thermal Unit) A BTU is the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1° Fahrenheit (F) at the temperature that water has its greatest density (approximately 39° F).
Here is a table from the study that compares cost per BTU from different heating sources:
| Fuel | Energy Content | Unit Price | Efficiency | Cost/Million BTUs |
| Firewood | 24 Million BTU/Cord | $438 | 60% | $30.47 |
| Kerosene | 35,667 BTU/Liter | $2.06/Liter | 85% | $67.88 |
| Fuel Oil | 36,830 BTU/Liter | $1.78/Liter | 80% | $60.51 |
| Propane | 24,201 BTU/Liter | $1.34/Liter | 85% | $65.37 |
| Electricity | 3,412 BTU/kWh | .26/kWh | 100% | $102.87 |
This study was done in the US so I converted to it over to Canadian Dollars and liters so it is a little more relevant for us in Prince Edward County. The study was done in September of '22 so I am sure inflation has impacted the unit prices across the board.(And based on the firewood business I bet ALL other fuel sources have increase more due to inflation!)
Interestingly the unit price used for firewood in this New England based study is high(32% More) relative to the prices we see in Prince Edward County. In this study the per cord price converted to Canadian Dollar was set at $438 which is pretty damn high vs. us at $300.(Makes me think our prices are too low...) Using our price @ $300/Cord gets the cost per million BTUs down to $20.83! So about 70% less then the closest fuel source - fuel oil! If you are interested in looking at more fuel sources check out this handy calculator from AMS Energy.
Renewable and Sustainable
Firewood is a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, trees can be replanted and grown specifically for firewood production. By using firewood for heating, you are reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practices. In the case of 100 Acre Firewood we are actively renewing this important resource by planting over 35,000 trees at our property. Additionally we are also exclusively cutting down trees that are already standing dead - so we are not taking living trees out of the game.
Energy Independence
By using firewood for heating, you are not reliant on external sources of energy. You can harvest your own firewood or purchase it locally, giving you a sense of energy independence. This can be especially beneficial in times of energy shortages or disruptions.
Cozy and Comforting Atmosphere
Burning firewood not only provides warmth but also creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere in your home. The crackling sound of the fire and the smell of burning wood can enhance the ambiance of your living space, making it a more inviting and relaxing environment.
To our family this is the most important aspect of using firewood for heat. There is something special about family time gathered around the fireplace that I wouldn't trade for anything. Based on being in the firewood business our family also works together to harvest our own firewood - I look at this as valuable family time and has taught our kids a strong work ethic too.
Backup Heating Option
Having a fireplace or wood stove as a backup heating option can be a lifesaver during power outages or emergencies. When other heating sources fail, you can rely on your firewood supply to keep your home warm and comfortable until normal services are restored. In our case we use firewood as a back-up to our heat pump system that we recently installed. Once we are in Prince Edward County full time this setup will flip - and the heat pump will be the backup to the heat pump.
Overall, burning firewood for a heat source can be a practical and beneficial choice for your home. From cost-effectiveness to sustainability, there are many reasons why firewood heating makes sense. Consider incorporating firewood into your home heating strategy for a cozy and efficient winter season.
