The most natural way of heating Wood

Sustainability and climate protection are very important topics for all of us. It is our responsibility, both as a manufacturer and as a consumer to be careful about which energy sources we use and how we use them. The intelligent and sustainable use of natural, renewable, raw materials, such as wood, as a renewable energy source alongside energy-efficient heating systems, helps us to achieve challenging climate goals with low emissions. The use of firewood saves millions of tons of CO₂ in Europe and is a significant help in avoiding greenhouse gases.

In the beginning…

750,000 years BC

At first, people only saw fire when lightning struck, and trees or grass caught light. The homo erectus was the first human being to make use of fire for himself.

Illustrated image of Cavemen gathered around a fire

…there was fire

40,000 years BC

We start using fire in fireplaces…

From fire…

1946

In 1946 Friedrich Schiedel founded his own company called Erbacher Bauwaren. As he always liked to say, Schiedel was founded “literally with two borrowed shovels and a borrowed wheel–barrow” and so the first Schiedel chimney to control fire and flues was born.

Black and white photo of two men working on a chimney

…to innovation

2020

Schiedel is Europe’s leading supplier of highly energy–efficient chimney systems and uses its expertise to offer integrated ventilation and stove systems. Schiedel stands for durable and highly sophisticate complete systems, intelligent mounting solutions and tailored service.

Modern day Schiedel fireplace installation

Heating with wood

Renewable Resource

Wood is a renewable resource that burns only as much carbon dioxide (CO₂) as it releases from natural decomposition in the forest or as much as the tree captured from the atmosphere during its growth.

High Energy Value

Firewood has a high energy value. For example, take oak: whilst it has a residual wood moisture content of approx. 15–20%, its calorific value adds up to 4.2 kWh per kilogram.

Today

…of the current global energy supply (560 EJ) comes from forests, adding up to almost 49EJ.

In
2030

13-15%

…of the global energy supply is likely to be covered by wood in 2035 (72–84 EJ) – that’s what the World Bioenergy Association expects.

Exajoule (EJ)

Low Emission Factor

The impact of air pollution on our health and environment is so significant that it is considered to be the second biggest environmental concern after climate change. Firewood has a low emission factor in comparison with other energy sources, with a very low primary energy coefficient of 0.2.

Graph about emmissions showing Modern stoves vs Old inserts when using logs with and without moisture

Slashing Emissions From Residential Wood Burning

Conversely, residential wood combustion occurs mostly in rural and sparsely populated areas, with a much more dispersed concentration. Old stoves and open fires pollute much more than a modern wood appliance. Old stoves are part of the problem, new stoves are part of the solution.

Total Suspended Particles (TSP)

Efficiency

Today’s technology from Schiedel is able to boost the efficiency of stoves drastically by up to 86%, while also reducing emissions by 2/3 in comparison to old and inefficient stoves.

While old and inefficient individual stoves and open fires are big contributors to the problem, new technologies and the use of district heating networks can now provide EU consumers with clean and efficient options that fit the requirements of the clean energy era.

We could drastically reduce emissions if consumers do both: replace old appliances and use only dry wood of the highest quality.

European Forest Is Growing

30% of annual forest growth remains in the forest. The area of European forests is increasing by the size of a football field every minute, increasing the potential for carbon capture in the coming decades.

30%

Of the annual forest increment remains in the forest.

Use Of Entire Tree

Sustainable use of the entire tree: wood as a raw material is not only a great material to create energy and warmth but is also suitable for building construction or making wood furniture.

Matches

Pellets

Tables

Floors

European Climate Goals

In addition to energy savings, the EU is focusing on renewable energies, such as biomass, and wood in particular. Our energy systems need to become fossil fuel free. By 2020 the EU wants renewable energy to make up a 20% share of the gross energy consumption and at least 30% by 2030.

2020
20%

2030
30%

Sources

www.proschornstein.de

How to heat with wood

Firewood – The right choice

Hardwood is better for firing a fireplace than softwood.
Softwood is resinous and thus has a shorter burning time.

Beech

Oak

Birch

Spruce

The correct size of firewood

The choice of the right firewood is decisive for its calorific value.

The size of the logs should be adapted to the size of the fireplace. For most fireplaces this corresponds to a log length of 25 to 30 cm, while the circumference should not exceed 25 cm.

25 to 30 cm length

25 cm scale

Ensure you obtain your firewood from regional forests with sustainable forestry. By doing that, you commit yourself to supporting the environment and set an example for sustainabilty

Optimal firewood is dried out for a year and has a humidity of 15 – 20%. Because damp/fresh firewood is much heavier than well–seasoned you will get less wood for your money.

And now…
Your turn to light up the fire!

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Installation of fireplace in modern apartment

The most natural way of heating Wood

In the beginning…

…there was fire

From fire…

…to innovation