Wood heating for your secondary residence in 2020
When purchasing your secondary residence, it is of course essential to install a heating system, otherwise you will surely spend a very harsh winter. Currently, the preferred heating for French people is gas heating: indeed, 44% of French people use it. Then comes electricity (34%), fuel oil (14%)... and wood, with only 4% of users. But why turn your nose up at an energy source that ultimately has more advantages than disadvantages? In this article, we will look at why you should consider wood heating for your secondary residence in 2020.
When purchasing your secondary residence, it is of course essential to install a heating system, otherwise you will surely spend a (very) harsh winter.
Currently, the preferred heating for French people is gas heating: indeed, 44% of French people use it. Then comes electricity (34%), fuel oil (14%)… and wood, with only 4% of users. But why turn your nose up at an energy source that ultimately has more advantages than disadvantages? In this article, we will look at why you should consider wood heating for your secondary residence in 2020.
ADVANTAGES
Ecological. In the current context of global warming, it is preferable for the environment. Wood, which is nevertheless the least used energy source, is in fact the most ecological of the four. This energy is renewable and its carbon footprint is minimal: it does not exacerbate the greenhouse effect.
Economic. Wood costs less than gas, electricity and fuel oil, whose prices will continue to rise (moreover, depending on where your secondary residence is located, you can even obtain it for free). Even though installing a central wood heating system is quite costly, it is amortised in under 10 years. Recently, some grants are available for users of wood heating systems. Additionally, by installing a wood or pellet appliance, you are eligible for a tax credit (30% rate applicable to the price of the appliance)
Social. Purchasing wood from local suppliers helps support employment and ensures you get quality, standard-compliant wood.
DISADVANTAGES
However, several drawbacks should be noted. Firstly, having storage space is necessary. If your secondary residence has a large garden, it will be easier to address this issue (however, beware of leaving wood exposed to rain). Obtaining wood can also be complicated…
Finally, having wood heating requires perfect maintenance to avoid any staining or air contamination. A task that can prove difficult.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEATING AVAILABLE
Fireplaces. There are two types of fireplaces: open fireplaces and inset and closed-hearth fireplaces. Although the former are most romantic, they are not recommended as they have very low efficiency (10%) and do not effectively warm the room. For your secondary residence, an inset and closed-hearth fireplace is preferable. If your residence already has an open fireplace, it is possible to convert it to an inset and closed-hearth fireplace.
Wood stove. The wood stove is not built into the wall like a fireplace: it can be freely moved as needed for your requirements and those of your residence. It has a fairly good efficiency of around 80%. However, it can only heat a small space for occasional use (periods of cold weather).
Pellet stove. Pellet stoves have an advantage over other forms of wood heating: no need to store wood. Indeed, one kilogram of pellets will last longer than one kilogram of wood. The efficiency is better and constant, and this fuel is very inexpensive.
Thus, wood heating is a great ecological alternative for your secondary residence, which has far more advantages than disadvantages!
