UNH Cooperative Extension strives to bring the most relevant information to the citizens of New Hampshire. In response to the high cost of heating oil and propane this winter, many New Hampshire residents are adding a wood or pellet stove to their homes. The popularity of wood boilers is on the rise as well. Heating with native New Hampshire wood has many benefits, but it shouldn't be undertaken without the appropriate information and preparation.

In an effort to make up-to-date information about wood heat available to New Hampshire citizens, we have developed Heating with Wood resource pages on our web site.

The site is designed to answer questions from all types of wood heat users, from the beginner to the expert. Folks beginning to investigate wood heat will find there's a lot to learn. Even experts who have burned wood for years will want to keep up with changes in wood heating technology and firewood markets.

Heating with Wood offers information on these and other topics:

• Assessing your home for wood heat.
• Cutting your own firewood.
• Buying and storing firewood.
• Sizing, locating, installing and maintaining your wood stove.
• Burning wood safely and efficiently.
• The health effects of wood smoke.
• Outdoor wood boilers.
• Managing the ashes.

The pages include links to many other resources, such as the Center for Disease Control publication, "Proper Installation and Maintenance of a Wood Stove," the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site, and the recent legislation passed in New Hampshire that regulates the use of outdoor wood boilers. There is something for everyone.

Winter is just around the corner, but it’s never too late to check our web site to learn something new. Visit our resource pages and be prepared to safely weather the chilly days ahead.