WOOD IS GOOD - HEATING WITH WOOD

Gestapeltes und gespaltetes Brennholz | © Patrick Tomasso

Heating with wood

Sustainability and climate protection are of great importance for all of us. Wood is a renewable energy source that, when sustainably managed, can be a natural and environmentally conscious choice. When wood is burned, CO2 is released, which was previously absorbed by the trees, making the process climate-neutral. In addition, wood provides a cozy and natural warmth. With efficient heating methods and responsible use, wood heating can contribute to a sustainable energy supply.

Traditionally a natural way to heat

Sustainability and climate protection are crucial issues for everyone. Wood, as a renewable and natural energy source, offers the possibility to heat in a conscious and responsible manner. When wood comes from sustainably managed forests and is used in modern, energy-efficient heating systems, it can contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and supporting climate goals.

750,000 years BC
40,000 years BC
1946
Today

750,000 years BC

In the beginning, humans only saw fire when lightning struck, i.e. as soon as trees or grass caught fire. Homo erectus was the first human to use fire for his own purposes.

Urzeit-Menschen vor einem offenen Feuer | © iStock-506843489

In the beginning, humans only saw fire when lightning struck, i.e. as soon as trees or grass caught fire. Homo erectus was the first human to use fire for his own purposes.

40,000 years BC

The use of fire in hearths began. This new skill was like a technical revolution at the time. Man moved a good deal further towards independence.

Feuer

The use of fire in hearths began. This new skill was like a technical revolution at the time. Man moved a good deal further towards independence.

1946

In 1946, Friedrich Schiedel founded his own company under the name "Erbacher Bauwaren". Schiedel was "literally founded with two borrowed shovels and a borrowed wheelbarrow", as he used to say, and so the first Schiedel chimney was built to control fires and flues.

ZUR SCHIEDEL-GESCHICHTE

Mitarbeiter vor einer Rüttelplatte

In 1946, Friedrich Schiedel founded his own company under the name "Erbacher Bauwaren". Schiedel was "literally founded with two borrowed shovels and a borrowed wheelbarrow", as he used to say, and so the first Schiedel chimney was built to control fires and flues.

ZUR SCHIEDEL-GESCHICHTE

Today

Schiedel is Europe's leading manufacturer of highly efficient chimney systems and offers integrated ventilation and stove systems based on sound experience. Schiedel stands for durable and well-engineered complete systems, intelligent installation solutions and individual service.

Fenster des KINGFIRE GRANDE SC

Schiedel is Europe's leading manufacturer of highly efficient chimney systems and offers integrated ventilation and stove systems based on sound experience. Schiedel stands for durable and well-engineered complete systems, intelligent installation solutions and individual service.

Advantages of heating with wood

Wood is a renewable and natural energy source that contributes to a responsible heating supply. When wood is burned in the right way, it provides high energy value and efficient heat production. Modern wood stoves also ensure better combustion and lower emissions than traditional wood stoves. Additionally, burning wood creates a unique atmosphere and comfort in the home. Through responsible use and the choice of sustainably produced wood, wood heating can be an environmentally conscious and cozy option.

Holz als erneuerbare Ressource (CO2 = CO2)

Renewable resource

Wood is a renewable raw material that, when burned, releases CO₂ that the tree absorbed during its growth. This process can, when the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, contribute to a circular carbon cycle. During combustion, the CO₂ is released all at once, while with natural decomposition, it happens gradually. However, the CO₂ released during natural decomposition cannot be used as a replacement for fossil fuels like natural gas. Under specific conditions, such as in low-oxygen environments, natural decomposition can also produce methane (CH₄), which is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂. Efficient burning and responsible wood harvesting are therefore essential to utilize wood as an energy source in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.

Gestapeltes und gespaltetes Brennholz | © Patrick Tomasso

High energy value

Firewood has a high energy value. Oak, for example: While it has a residual wood moisture content of approx. 15 - 20%, its calorific value is 4.2 kWh per kilogram.

Low emission factor

The impact of air pollution on our health and the environment is so enormous that air pollution, after climate change, is the biggest environmental problem. Firewood has a low emission factor compared to other energy sources like coal. Additionally, there are technological solutions available that can help reduce the emissions of fine particles.

Reducing emissions from wood combustion

Wood burning in households with old stoves and open fires contribute significantly more to environmental pollution than modern stoves. Old stoves are part of the problem, new stoves are part of the solution. In the graph, the abbreviation TSP stands for Total Suspended Particles.

Efficiency

Today's technology from Schiedel can dramatically increase stove efficiency by up to 86% while reducing emissions by 2/3 compared to older inefficient stoves. While old and inefficient single stoves and open fires exacerbate the problem, new technologies cleaner and more efficient options than, for example, a fireplace. We could drastically reduce emissions if consumers do both: replace old appliances and use only the highest quality dry wood.

Fußballfeld mit Wald

The European forest is growing

30% of annual forest growth remains in the forest. The European forest area is increasing by the area of a soccer pitch every minute, so the potential for carbon capture will increase in the coming decades.

Use of the entire tree

Sustainable use of the entire tree: Wood as a raw material is not only a great source of energy and heat, but is also suitable for use in building structures or for the manufacture of wooden furniture.

Europakarte

European climate protection targets

In addition to energy saving, the EU is focusing on renewable energies such as biomass and wood in particular. Our energy systems must become free of fossil fuels. The EU plans to expand renewable energies to at least 30% by 2030.

The right choice of firewood

Hardwood is more suitable for use in a wood-burning stove than softwood. Softwood has a high resin content and therefore a shorter burning time. These four types of wood are ideal for combustion - beech, oak, birch and spruce.

Oak

Oak is a robust and durable wood that has a dark brown color and a characteristic, coarse grain. It is heavy and has a dense structure. Oak gives off a pleasant scent when burned. However, it can be difficult to work with due to its density and heaviness.

Spruce

Spruce is a soft coniferous wood with a light, yellowish-white color and an even grain. It is light and soft, which makes it easier to work with or transport. Spruce burns quickly and produces a high flame, but has a lower heat output than harder firewood such as oak or beech.

Beech

Beech is a hard hardwood with a light to dark brown color and a fine to medium grain. It is robust, durable and has a high density, which makes it a good firewood. Beech burns slowly and evenly and has a good heat output. It also has a pleasant smell when burned. It is often used for its durability and appearance in interior design and construction.

Birch

Birch is a soft hardwood with a light, whitish to yellowish-brown color and a fine grain. It has a lower density than harder woods such as beech or oak and is light and soft, which makes it easier to work with and transport. Birch burns quickly and produces a high flame.

Wald von oben | © Olena Sergienko

Always use regional woods

Make sure that the firewood comes from regional forests and from sustainable forestry. In this way, you are supporting environmental protection and acting as responsibly as possible. The best firewood has been dried for over a year and has a residual moisture content of 15-20%. As damp/fresh firewood is heavier than well-seasoned firewood, you also get less wood for your money.

Brennholz Länge: 25 und 30 cm / Umfang 25 cm

The right size of firewood

Choosing the right firewood is crucial for its calorific value. The size of the logs should match the size of the stove. For most wood-burning stoves, this means a log length of between 25 and 30 cm, while the circumference should not exceed 25 cm.

More about Schiedel

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About our history

Innovative for over 75 years. Schiedel stands for durable complete systems, intelligent installation solutions and customer-oriented service.

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