A mainly local and renewable energy, wood has a low greenhouse gas emissions record, since it is practically carbon neutral. In fact, its emissions are almost entirely offset by the renewal of forests which absorb CO2. For their part, wood stoves are becoming cleaner and cleaner: thanks to new combustion technologies, ever fewer particles are released into the air, making the wood option safe and environmentally friendly. . Since last year, new rules for the maintenance of fireplaces and stoves have been in force.
The wood heating market is dynamic
Despite a drop in activity in 2023 compared to the record year of 2022, the wood heating market is doing relatively well. In 2022, the year of all records, there were more than 390,000 stove sales, and more than half were pellet stoves. This figure plummeted in 2023, with only 74,000 pellet stoves for around 315,000 devices sold.
The market clearly regained strength at the start of 2024, with, according to the national association of wood pellet heating professionals, a 36% increase in orders in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023. These significant variations from one year to the next are the consequence of often volatile pellet prices. However, wood heating should remain an excellent investment, as pellet production is expected to continue to grow, thus stabilizing prices in the years to come.
Not all wood heaters are equal in terms of ecology
Wood heating includes fireplaces, log stoves and pellet stoves. These solutions are not equivalent in terms of respect for the environment. For example, open combustion produced in a fireplace is much more harmful than that of a closed pellet stove. The open hearth of the fireplace produces a lot of smoke. It not only emits CO2, but also a multitude of fine particles potentially dangerous to health. In addition, heat production is much less efficient in an open fireplace, since only a small part of this heat is actually diffused into the home. Closed fireplaces (with a glass or closing device) are preferred, but stoves undoubtedly remain the most efficient option, both from a heat and environmental point of view.
Generally speaking, pellet stoves offer better performance and are more environmentally friendly than log stoves, due to their lower humidity level. However, everything will depend on the quality of the fuel chosen. So be sure to choose high quality wood that meets French standards.
New maintenance obligations
Since October 2023, the maintenance and sweeping of fireplaces and heating, kitchen and combustion hot water production appliances is compulsory, as well as the sweeping of flues. This obligation was codified in the public health code through a decree published in July 2023.
From now on, it is mandatory to carry out maintenance at least once every twelve months. This maintenance must include “cleaning, checking the proper functioning of the combustion device and, where applicable, its adjustment, as well as checking the ducts intended for heat distribution and the air supply from combustion.” Maintenance must be carried out by a qualified professional. In addition to maintenance and handling, it must provide advice to customers on “the maintenance and proper use of solid fuel devices with a view to reducing their emissions of fine particles into the atmosphere”. A certificate will be issued to you within 15 days from the date of the interview.
How to use your stove so that it functions optimally?
Maintenance is a critical step for the proper functioning of the heating system throughout the year, but certain good practices can considerably improve its performance:
Choose quality wood. The drier the wood, the fewer fine particles it produces. If you opt for logs, make sure their humidity level is less than 20%. Pellets are even less humid and can provide better combustion. Regarding the type of wood, you should know that softwood pellets have a higher calorific value.
Do not overload your stove. This will perform better if you choose to feed it more frequently with smaller quantities of fuel. An overloaded stove risks suffocating your fire and producing too much smoke, which clogs the ducts more quickly.
Set your stove correctly. Choose a temperature well suited to your room and try to find a good compromise between the intensity of combustion and the consumption of logs or pellets. To do this, carry out tests and adjust the air flow to avoid overheating and possible overconsumption of fuel. During the ignition phase, all air inlets should be open. You can then reduce the air flow during the combustion phase.
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