Burning wood in the home is growing in popularity. Understandably, people like the look and feel of a wood fire or stove as well as using them for a cost-efficient source of heat. Unfortunately, if the stoves are not efficient and the incorrect fuel is used, it can be a major cause of air pollution, and many people are not aware of the risks to themselves, their neighbours, or the surrounding environment.
However, if some thought and research go into getting your new stove, and also, considering the type of fuel you are going to burn, we can all contribute positively to the environment and reduce our carbon footprint by using dry and sustainable firewood logs and efficient wood burners.
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What Are the Best Logs For Wood Burners?
Using dry wood burner logs in your stove is crucial for both efficiency and reducing air pollution. Wet or green firewood logs contain a high moisture content, which causes them to burn at a lower temperature and produce more smoke. This can lead to incomplete combustion, releasing harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and harmful organic compounds into the air. We will cover more on that below.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that when purchasing a wood stove, you select one that adheres to the Ecodesign regulations. A stove must have a UKCA mark and be placed on the UK market from 1st January 2022 and must adhere to Ecodesign regulations.
What is Dry Wood?
Dry wood is typically defined as wood that has a moisture content below 20%. This level of dryness ensures optimal combustion when used in wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Lower moisture content means the wood ignites more easily, burns more efficiently, and produces less smoke and creosote buildup compared to wetter wood.
Dry wood burner logs not only provide better heat output but also contribute to cleaner air quality both indoors and outdoors, making it a preferred choice for sustainable and efficient wood-burning practices.
In 2021, the UK government stated that companies may only supply or sell ‘dry’ wood fuel if it is certified as ‘Ready-to-Burn’, ensuring its moisture content is 20% or lower.
What is Sustainable Wood?
Sustainable wood refers to wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests or renewable sources. This means that the trees are harvested in a way that allows for new trees to grow and replace those that have been cut down. Sustainable forestry practices help maintain the health of forest ecosystems, support biodiversity, and protect habitats for wildlife.
Choosing sustainable wood for your wood-burning stove not only helps reduce deforestation but also supports the long-term health of our planet. By using wood from sustainable sources, you are ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits of forests and woodlands.
Get the best logs for wood burners with Green Olive Firewood!
7 Reasons it’s Important to Use Dry and Sustainable Wood Burner Logs in Your Wood-Burning Stove
1. Efficiency and Heat Output
Dry firewood burns more efficiently than wet wood due to its quicker ignition and higher heat production. This efficiency translates to greater warmth from the same quantity of wood, saving money and reducing the need for frequently adding more woof fuel. Additionally, using dry wood burner logs means fewer logs are needed to produce the same level of heat.
As the above image shows, a whopping 5 kWh can be achieved using dry, sustainable wood on your wood burner.
2. Reduced Air Pollution
Burning dry wood produces significantly less smoke and particulate matter compared to wet wood. This not only improves indoor air quality but also reduces outdoor air pollution, benefiting both your health and the environment. Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) claims burning dry wood produces more heat and less soot than wet wood and can reduce emissions by up to 50%.
Additionally, under the new Ecodesign regulations, established rules for emission and efficiency levels state that these stoves are cost-effective to operate and reduce emissions by 90% compared to open fires.
3. Longevity of Your Wood-Burning Stove
Burning wet or improperly seasoned wood can lead to the buildup of creosote—a highly flammable substance—in your stove and chimney. This buildup not only poses a fire hazard but also reduces the lifespan of your stove and increases maintenance costs.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Using sustainably sourced firewood ensures that forests are managed responsibly. Sustainable forestry practices promote biodiversity, protect habitats, and contribute to carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change.
Specialised wood burner logs are made from softwood, which also bring environmental benefits. This is because softwood typically grows faster than hardwood, allowing for quicker replenishment of forest resources.
Additionally, softwood logs tend to produce fewer emissions and ash compared to traditional firewood, making them a cleaner-burning alternative. This sustainability factor makes them an eco-friendly choice for heating homes and reducing carbon footprints.
5. Cost Savings
Dry firewood burns hotter and more efficiently, meaning you’ll need less wood to achieve the same level of warmth. Over time, this can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. Additionally, properly maintained stoves and chimneys require less frequent cleaning and repairs, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
6. Health Benefits
Burning dry wood reduces the emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues and aggravate existing conditions like asthma. Using dry firewood improves indoor air quality and creates a healthier environment for you and your family.
7. Reduced Creosote Buildup
Dry wood produces cleaner combustion with less tar and creosote buildup in your chimney. This decreases the risk of chimney fires and ensures your wood-burning stove operates safely and efficiently. Burning wet wood also results in poor-quality combustion, increased smoke, and the production of tars and creosotes that will damage your flue.
Get the Best Logs For Wood Burners With Green Olive Firewood
If you’re looking to buy logs for a wood burner, Green Olive Firewood supplies firewood logs that adhere to moisture guidelines and are sustainably sourced. We ensure that we only provide our customers with exceptional kiln-dried wood-burner logs that are ready to use in your wood-burning stove. By choosing Green Olive Firewood, you can enjoy the benefits of using dry and sustainable wood, such as increased heating efficiency, reduced emissions, and cost savings.
Our commitment to sourcing wood responsibly means that you can enjoy the warmth of your wood burner knowing that you are supporting the preservation of forests and biodiversity. And, by ordering from Green Olive Firewood, you can have the confidence that you are purchasing logs that have a moisture content below 20%.