When you see smoke rising from the chimney of a log home, that can often mean that something else is rising, too – heating bills! Here’s the good news. Solid log walls offer excellent resistance to the passage of heat. In fact, solid logs actually absorb heat and retain it. This is due to the cellular structure of the wood which creates an insulation barrier that’s warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot.

Log homes are just as reliable as modern homes, and sometime seven better, for keeping out the cold, as long as they are properly maintained and prepared for the winter months. Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help keep your heat in and your utility bills under control.

Proper Chinking: Although log home heating has the potential to be just as efficient as traditional home heating, they are sometimes more vulnerable to developing an air leak, especially those that are newer construction. When a log home is built, seasoned logs can still contain some water. As the logs keep drying over the next couple of years, they tend to shrink. This process may cause gaps to develop in between the logs, which can cause air leaks and drafts. That’s where chinking comes in. Chinking between the logs fills the gaps, protects the logs and stops any air leaks. Be sure to inspect your logs and if you find any damage or missing chinking, or areas that are leaking air, call a log home expert to help make your home draft-proof.

Wood Burning Stoves: Because many log homes are conveniently built in areas where virtually any kind of firewood is readily available and abundant, wood burning stoves are a great choice for heating a log home. Depending on the size of your home, you may need more than one stove to adequately heat the entire space.

Windows: If you have old windows, it’s probably time to update them. A log home professional can install new energy-efficient windows in your home without harming the surrounding logs, and ensure that they are sealed and keeping heat in and cold out.

Overall, log homes have proved to be energy efficient, eco-friendly, and comfortable homes that are easy to heat and easy on the wallet, as long as they are properly maintained. If you have any questions about heating your log home, give our log home professionals a call at 877-477-6564.