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Choose an EPA certified wood stove
Heating with wood is a responsible choice!!!
Wood burning is a renewable source of energy. The carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released during combustion is the same as that which is liberated during natural disintegration. In fact, as wood rots naturally it expulses CO2 as well as methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more powerful than carbon dioxide. By using an EPA certified unit we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere because a big portion of the harmful gases get burned in the process. Burning wood releases the same amount of CO2 as a growing tree. During combustion, carbon dioxide is easily absorbed by new growth. The transmission of carbon into the atmosphere and biosphere is called the CARBON CYCLE.
Environmental advantages of using an EPA certified woodstove
- Recycling of unused wood and improves forest management (selective cut)
- Offers unequalled comfort and reduces the cost of heating
- Encourages the local economy
- Reduces greenhouse gases
- Does not have any impact on the formation of acid rains
- Increases autonomy regarding large sources of energy such as electricity, gas, etc.
- Reduces our dependence on energy companies and their growth
The reality of it
Although we must heat our homes, there is sadly no source of energy that does not cause some sort of pollution. This is why we promote wood burning as the ideal source of heating in Quebec as opposed to other environmentally harmful methods. Are you aware that recent studies have shown that Quebec has the largest amount of electromagnetic fields in the world? This, among other factors, is in large part due to the over-consumption of electricity used to heat our homes in the winter. Approximately 72% of Quebec homes are heated by electricity.
The auxiliary heating industry of today is taking all the right steps for the upcoming generations.
The auxiliary heating specialists are aware of the impact that heating has on the environment and are consciously making efforts to provide products that exceed the currently established norms.
A recent project regarding the regulations for wood heating units recently made an appearance in all french media relating to environmental news. This new regulation’s main goal is to prohibit the fabrication, sale and distribution of heating units in Quebec that do not measure up to the environmental norms set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Here is a link that may provide you with more english information on the implication of the gouvernment of Quebec towards cleaner air regulations; http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/Air/inter_en.htm
Facts to consider
EPA certified units emit less than ten times the amount of fine particles and three times less other harmful contaminants than conventional wood heating units. The goal of the regulation is to ensure the protection of the atmosphere against biohazardous particles caused by the use of older model wood heating units.
By purchasing EPA certified units, consumers will save several hundred dollars a year for heating purposes (auxiliary heating or primary heating). The initial additional cost of the unit will be well worth it down the road ( 2 to 7 years), by the amount of savings earned by slow and efficient combustion.
Bien-O-Chaud is your new source of information relating to everything in the auxiliary heating industry. We are at your service and will keep you posted on every effort made in the industry to ensure the preservation and future of the environment.
This article is graciously provided by Mr. Jean-François Fauteaux, along with the Ministry of Development and Quebec Parks Environment.
Sincerely yours,
Management of Bien-O-Chaud.com
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