I received a note today from a member of another site who said, "Please explain why you burn as much firewood as you do? Are you a crazy arson?"
So, I thought best to make a list. Here's what I came up with:
1) I have access to a "free" supply of felled tree chunks less than three miles away.
2) I need the exercise. (cut, split, load, unload, stack, and burn)
3) My cast iron stove is very efficient--nearly 80%.
4) I save $500 to $600 annually on my heating bill.
5) The whole house is warmer because the stove warms the floor too.
6) I can cook a juicy steak in the winter using a grill that I made for the stove.
7) Radiant heat is a pleasant change from forced air.
8) Occasionally viewing the fire is soothing and romantic.
9) A walkout basement makes it easier to bring in the wood.
10) The stacked wood supplies shelter from the snow.
11) I am using a fuel that is being thrown into useless bonfires at construction sites.
12) Operating and maintaining four chainsaws is an interesting hobby.
13) I enjoy helping my neighbors prune their trees and clear out ones that have died.
14) My workshop scraps make good kindling.
15) Ashes from the stove make ice on the driveway and sidewalks less slippery.
16) During a power failure, the woodstove still works.
17) I own a pickup truck, begging to be filled with firewood.
18) My dog often falls asleep close to the stove, totally relaxed, and so do I.
19) Sometimes I fry breakfast on the cooktop using a cast iron skillet.
20) I split the wood with a friend, and it's work that we turn into fun.
21) The gas furnace doesn't run as much and thus will last longer.
22) Wood is a replenishable fuel.
23) The energy savings (income in kind) is not taxed by Uncle Sam.
24) Once in awhile I find hardwood pieces that I can use in the workshop.
25) The sawdust from my workshop helps make good stove lighters.
So, there you have it. Did I leave anything out? Please add to the list as you see fit so that I can add more ammunition to my reply to the man who thinks that I may be a pyromaniac. TIA.
So, I thought best to make a list. Here's what I came up with:
1) I have access to a "free" supply of felled tree chunks less than three miles away.
2) I need the exercise. (cut, split, load, unload, stack, and burn)
3) My cast iron stove is very efficient--nearly 80%.
4) I save $500 to $600 annually on my heating bill.
5) The whole house is warmer because the stove warms the floor too.
6) I can cook a juicy steak in the winter using a grill that I made for the stove.
7) Radiant heat is a pleasant change from forced air.
8) Occasionally viewing the fire is soothing and romantic.
9) A walkout basement makes it easier to bring in the wood.
10) The stacked wood supplies shelter from the snow.
11) I am using a fuel that is being thrown into useless bonfires at construction sites.
12) Operating and maintaining four chainsaws is an interesting hobby.
13) I enjoy helping my neighbors prune their trees and clear out ones that have died.
14) My workshop scraps make good kindling.
15) Ashes from the stove make ice on the driveway and sidewalks less slippery.
16) During a power failure, the woodstove still works.
17) I own a pickup truck, begging to be filled with firewood.
18) My dog often falls asleep close to the stove, totally relaxed, and so do I.
19) Sometimes I fry breakfast on the cooktop using a cast iron skillet.
20) I split the wood with a friend, and it's work that we turn into fun.
21) The gas furnace doesn't run as much and thus will last longer.
22) Wood is a replenishable fuel.
23) The energy savings (income in kind) is not taxed by Uncle Sam.
24) Once in awhile I find hardwood pieces that I can use in the workshop.
25) The sawdust from my workshop helps make good stove lighters.
So, there you have it. Did I leave anything out? Please add to the list as you see fit so that I can add more ammunition to my reply to the man who thinks that I may be a pyromaniac. TIA.
