We have heated our domicile solely by burning wood, for
over 30 years now. I have enjoyed the many satisfactions of wood burning, but
recently read an article that added one more pleasure to the process. But
first, let me count the ways that I find heating the house with a wood stove
fulfilling.
First,
gathering wood is excellent physical exercise. I think it was Thoreau who
ticked off the numerous times that wood burning warms the body and soul: when
you cut it, when you haul it, when you split and stack it, and finally, when
you burn it. Being well into my Social Security years, cutting and collecting
wood helps keep me young. (Well, OK, it does force this aging body to do
hard work, which is therapeutic.)
Second,
we save lots of money over conventional heating methods. We are fortunate to be
surrounded by woods and our logs come free. Just the cost of some sweat labor
and a chain saw are the price we pay.
Third,
wood is a renewable resource. Trees are continually growing around here. We're
not burning nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Fourth,
there is the satisfaction of being self-sufficient and free of being forced to
rely on the whims of the volatile fossil fuel markets. There is something
important about holding onto one's autonomy these days, through developing some
proficiency of being able to take care of yourself. We can't depend on
governments and businesses to be as reliable as they once were.
Fifth,
all these years of handling wood, as I cut, carry, split, and stuff it into the
stove, have given me the pleasure of coming to know and appreciate wood...even
revere it and the trees that provide it. I love the smell of freshly-cut red
oak and the way its straight grain yields to my splitting maul. I love being
able to cut up a hardwood tree that a strong wind has toppled—saving me the
danger of felling it myself—and using its heat value before it has a chance to
begin rotting. I love being in the woods, looking up at those majestic trees,
feeling a deep reverence for their great size and longevity. They both dwarf
and provide for me.
If these weren't enough reasons for enjoying burning
wood, I recently added another one to my list. An article in a magazine
described how the wood stove has traditionally been a focal point of the home. Warmth
radiates from it—filling the interior space with cheer. People cuddle up to a
stove. They gather round it and enjoy each other's company. Wood stoves
literally build community!
In contrast, a furnace relegates the source of warmth to
the basement, or hides it in a closet. We feel no coziness with a furnace and
have little understanding of or familiarity with it. There's a thermostat on
the wall—put there by an expert, whose operation we only dimly comprehend. We
listen to it click noisily on and off. When it suddenly quits working, we call
another expert in a panic to come fix it. We have no real involvement with or
understanding of a furnace.
What have we lost in trading our wood stoves for
furnaces? Some people would say that we've thankfully lost messiness,
inconvenience, and a sore back. Good riddance! I think there are some tangible
benefits to burning wood, however. In fact, I've just listed six of them! That
said, I have to admit to looking forward now to some warm days, when the windows
are open and those balmy breezes waft through. (Now I labor in the garden.)
1 comment:
Thanks so much for sharing this. I have loved the wood furnace I got this past winter, it got me through a pretty harsh winter. I'm sure I will use it during the summer for other activities as well.
Post a Comment