Using Sawdust to Power its Kiln Provides “Green” Energy-Efficient Alternative
HONESDALE, PA. – Estemerwalt Log Homes, a 140-year-old family-owned company with a proud record of environmental sustainability, has saved more than 2.3 million gallons of fuel oil since debuting its sawdust-burning kiln system in 1996.
Estemerwalt’s “green” choice to use sawdust – a waste product of its operations – to power its kiln continues to save 240 gallons of fuel each day it is used. As of Aug. 30, 2023, Estemerwalt had conserved 2,335,440 gallons of fuel oil. That’s the equivalent of filling the typical 275-gallon oil tank, found in many homes, 8,492 times. If an oil tank is filled six times a year, that’s enough oil for approximately 1,415 homes.
“Estemerwalt always has been a stalwart steward of the environment,” said owner Kurt Propst. “Though we could have selected fuel oil (relatively inexpensive in 1996) to run our kiln, our commitment to conserving natural resources led us to sawdust as the optimum fuel. The result has been massive savings – environmentally and financially – that have been reinvested into industry-leading products and extremely competitive pricing for our valued customers.”
“This is a substantial benefit for not only today, but for future generations,” Propst said.
Estemerwalt’s sawdust-gasification system has three phases: Green sawdust is fed into a primary burn chamber where the sawdust is burned, yet starved of oxygen. This converts the sawdust into gas. The wood gas then passes into a secondary chamber where it is ignited – creating an environmentally efficient heat supply. The kiln is used to dry lumber.
Superb energy efficiency also is top benefit of an Estemerwalt log home. Logs and solid wood are natural insulators, and log homes meet or exceed energy-efficient standards specified in the International Building Code. In addition, log homes score well in blower-door tests, another standard for energy efficiency. Conversely, in traditional wood-frame homes, air infiltration and hollow spaces between studs can decrease energy efficiency.
Through five generations, the Propst family has been manufacturing the finest in wood products and setting the standard for log-home excellence. Estemerwalt also prides itself on unequaled personal service, its friendly staff and precision craftsmanship.
To learn more, or to inquire about log homes, visit Estemerwalt.com or call (570) 729-0733
