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No matter how wood is burned, however, it produces less greenhouse gases than any fossil fuel, once its growing phase is figured in. Critics say wood isn’t really more carbon neutral, because petroleum is typically is used to harvest and transport it, and the carbon in oil and gas were free in the atmosphere millions of years ago; so the only difference is time scale. It’s a gray area.


Corn
Just as wood pellets are a common alternative fuel in forested regions, shelled corn is becoming a more popular way to heat in farm country. Shelled corn has a BTU equivalent similar to air-dried softwood.


Corn-burning stoves resemble pellet stoves; in fact, some multi-fuel stoves burn both. For central heat, corn furnaces and boilers also are available from the same manufacturers.


Corn is a plentiful, renewable resource that is especially climate-friendly. Advocates point out that burning corn actually releases less CO2 than the plant absorbed while growing, because some of the carbon is stored in the stalk and roots.


Corn also is a relatively clean fuel, according to independent tests done for the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association. Corn stoves release particulate matter in the 1-5 g/h range, similar to a pellet stove.


But growing corn typically requires petroleum-based fertilizer, and some people are uncomfortable with burning a food crop. In some regions, local corn fuel co-ops use sustainable growing techniques—minimal fertilizer and low-till farming methods.


 


RINNAI ES38 DIRECT VENT WALL FURNACE
When central heat isn’t needed—in vacation homes, super-insulated construction and additions—direct-vent heaters like the Rinnai ES38 can do the job for a fraction of the cost. Sealed combustion minimizes indoor heat loss and the seven-stage modulating gas valve helps the unit achieve AFUE ratings of more than 80%. The ES38 is designed to heat large areas, delivering up to 38,000 BTUs. Runs on natural gas or propane.
www.rinnai.us/direct-vent-wall-furnaces


OKOFEN PELLEMATIC
German-made OkoFEN wood pellet boilers make burning with biofuel a highly-automated experience. Up to a year’s pellet storage is available with an automated feed system, either auger or vacuum, as well as ash compression and cleaning. The boiler comes in a range of sizes, scaled to heat homes and commercial buildings.
www.oekofen-usa.com


VERMONT CASTINGS ENCORE WOOD STOVE
Catalytic wood stoves tend to have the cleanest-burning technology, but require maintenance. Non-cats offer easier operation. Vermont Castings offers both choices in the Encore, and both models are among the cleanest burning wood stoves on the market. The catalytic unit hits 86% thermal efficiency while emitting 1.2 grams of particulates per hour. The non-cat is rated at 78% and 1.5 g/hr. Both can put out 65,000 BTU, enough heat for a big house.
www.vermontcastings.com

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