Which woods are best to burn on my stove?
Wood burning stoves are becoming more and more popular, as people turn away from traditional gas boilers to more environmentally-friendly ways of keeping their houses warm and heating their water. It is important to ensure that you have enough wood and many people will store this in a damp free location in their homes. Of course if you need a larger vehicle to collect your wood you can contact a Southend on sea van hire company.
Wood burning stoves have several advantages over gas central heating, not least of which is their ability to use a whole host of fuel, including that pile of junk mail!
Of course, their main fuel is wood, hence the name, but which wood is best, and why?
Hardwoods are best
Generally, hardwoods work better in stoves than the alternative, softwoods, do. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (that is, those which lose their leaves every autumn) such as beech, oak, birch, elm and ash, which is regarded by those in the know as the best type of wood to use.
Because they grow slowly, their wood has a greater density, and the logs are heavier. This means they will give you a better heat output than softwoods, so you will have to fill your stove up less often; always a good thing.
Just add seasoning
The best wood to use in your stove is that which has been seasoned, that is, wood which has been dried out to reduce its moisture content. Seasoned wood, which has a moisture content less than 20%, will feel lighter than its unseasoned brothers, and will give a distinct hollow noise when knocked. It may have peeling bark, or splitting and cracking on the outside.
According to Mother Earth News, it will also appear darker, and should not smell sappy.
You can season wood yourself. Just stack it out of doors, off the ground and covered, if possible, with lots of space in between logs to allow air to circulate.
And remember, never used unseasoned wood, as this will create little heat but plenty of smoke.
Speaking of smoke, you should ensure you only buy Defra approved multi fuel wood burning stoves and use only the types of fuel you are allowed to according to the local clean air regulations.
In this way, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your wood burning stove for many years to come, safe in the knowledge that not only are you making your home warm but also that you are keeping your local area free from pollution.
