Heating with wood matters

When winter in Maine hits, it hits hard. The snow piles up, the cold seeps into every crack, and you need a reliable way to keep your home warm. Personally- its my least favorite season. I detest being cold, but I’ve always believed that wood is one of the best ways to keep yourself warm in this state we call home. Sure, oil and propane have their place, (and perhaps that’s about to become cheaper!) but there’s something special about heating with wood. It's not just about staying warm—it’s about being part of something bigger. I believe when we hyper focus on helping or supporting our neighbors and direct community first, we can make staggering improvements in our own reality. I’ve been thinking about how this relates to our industry lately, maybe because every 4 years we sit and wait to see what’s going to happen to us. Sometimes it seems like we collectively have no control over anything- but the tiny little choices we make in our every day lives add up to either desolate communities, or thriving ones…. I don’t know about you- but I like thriving little communities, where everyone knows your name, where rec programs are filled, and local businesses have enough to spare to sponsor it all! I think more Mainers should consider heating their homes with wood so I have laid out the different options and how they stack up.

Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, and Outdoor Boilers: What’s the Best Choice?

When you start thinking about heating with wood, there are a few options, and each one has its perks. Let me break them down for you.

Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are like the "set it and forget it" of wood heating. They burn compressed wood pellets, which are easy to store and relatively clean. They're efficient, too, and you don’t have to chop the wood yourself. The downside? You still have to deal with buying and storing pellets, and they do need electricity to work. But if you’re looking for convenience with solid efficiency, a pellet stove might be your best bet. In terms of supporting your fellow Mainers- there are multiple pellet mills right here in Maine, buying wood grown here by Maine landowners, and harvested by Maine timber harvesters!

Wood Stoves
For me, there’s something about a good old-fashioned wood stove. The crackling sound of the fire, the way the heat radiates through the room—there’s nothing quite like it. Wood stoves are straightforward, they don’t require electricity, (which to me makes it a clear winner given we lose power all the time!) and they give off heat in a way that just feels more natural. On the flip side, they do require more work. You need to make sure you have a steady supply of seasoned wood, and you’ll need to do regular maintenance to keep the stove running safely and efficiently. But honestly, if you’ve got the time and energy, nothing beats the charm of a wood stove.

Fireplaces
Fireplaces are lovely for ambiance, no doubt. There’s nothing more cozy than sitting in front of a roaring fire. But let’s be real—most traditional fireplaces don’t do much for heating. They suck heat right up the chimney! Newer inserts or more efficient designs are better, but if you're looking for a serious heat source, a fireplace is more about the vibe than the function.

Outdoor Wood Boilers
This is what we use personally in our home, with a propane back up. If you’ve got the space and the need to heat more than just your house—say, a garage, barn, outbuildings, or even your pool so you can actually swim in it in Maine for more than 4 weeks!—an outdoor wood boiler could be a game-changer. These systems are super efficient and can handle multiple structures at once. The only thing? They’re a pretty big investment, and you’ll need a lot of wood. But if you’ve got the space and the resources, it’s an awesome option for the right situation.

Why Local Wood is the Way to Go

One of the best parts about heating with wood is the opportunity to buy local. Buying firewood from a local supplier means you’re supporting Maine’s economy and forestry industry, which is something we can all feel good about. But the benefits go beyond just the local economy.

Better for the Environment
Here’s the thing: burning wood is considered carbon-neutral. At least that’s what professor Google told me when I asked. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and when you burn wood, that CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. It’s a natural cycle. Of course, if you’re burning wood that’s been sustainably harvested, it’s a win-win. When done right, wood heating is a cleaner and more sustainable option than burning fossil fuels. Plus, by buying local, you’re cutting down on emissions from transportation.

Supporting Local Forestry
I can’t tell you how much it means to know that the wood I burn is coming from a local, sustainable source. I mean I know we are the ones harvesting it, but even if you buy your wood from my friends in Milo, or our buddies right down the road, we are always happy to when any logger is benefiting from the small daily choices of their neighbors. Maine’s forests are carefully managed, so when you buy locally, you’re helping keep our woods healthy. Sustainable logging practices ensure that forest ecosystems are maintained. It’s not just good for you, it’s good for the planet.

Cutting Down on Pollution
A lot of people don’t realize that modern wood-burning stoves and boilers are incredibly efficient. They burn cleaner, produce less smoke, and are better for the air than they used to be. If you’re using local, sustainably-harvested wood, the environmental impact is much lower than many other heating methods.

The Economic Upside

Buying local wood helps keep money in Maine’s economy. Maine’s forestry industry provides jobs for loggers, truck drivers, sawmill workers, and so many others. By choosing to heat with wood, you’re supporting hardworking Mainers.

The Satisfaction of the Whole Cycle

There’s a sense of pride that comes with heating your home with wood. It’s not just about keeping warm—it’s about being part of the full cycle. From cutting the wood to splitting it, to stacking it and finally burning it, it’s a process that connects you with the land. And when you’re sitting by the fire, you can take comfort in knowing that you’ve made a choice that’s good for your home, your community, and the environment.

Wrapping Up: Heating with Wood is Just the Maine Thing to Do

So, that’s my take on why more Mainers should consider heating with wood. It’s local, sustainable, and—let’s be honest—there’s something just plain cozy about it. Whether you go with a pellet stove, wood stove, fireplace, or outdoor boiler, there’s an option for everyone. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses, helping the environment, and reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.

The next time you find yourself in front of a crackling fire, take a moment to appreciate the whole cycle that brought that warmth to your home. It’s the Maine way—and it just feels right.