New regulations for customers who are burning logs in stoves were introduced by the government back in May 2021. With the overall goal being to improve air quality, there has also been a change in the fuel types that can be used in your log-burning stove. Here’s everything you need to know about the legislation and how it affects your log burning activities if you are not already aware.
Is It Safe Burning Logs?
The sale of wet wood became illegal in May 2021, which may come as a surprise to some. As a result, the only logs burned in any home appliance, excluding open fires, are dry logs or kiln-dried logs. When burning logs, dry logs must have a moisture content of less than 20% and produce very little smoke. For wood-burning stoves, 600mm or deeper, burning logs should not be larger than 30 cm in diameter. Furthermore, the sale of house coal and wet logs for household burning, as well as logs for household burning, has been prohibited since May 2021.
The Dangers of Burning Wet Wood
Burning wet firewood can result in higher-than-normal soot emissions, which can lead to increased air pollution and pose a significant health risk. The ash is also more likely to be wet and has higher chloride levels. This could lead to an increase in localised acid rain and the deposit of residue on nearby buildings or monuments, disrupting their surfaces.
Wet wood also causes your chimney to cool, which can lead to a blockage and a chimney fire. This has the potential to cause property damage or even death, as well as have a negative impact on the air quality in your home. Water vapour reacts with other gases to form a flammable and toxic mixture. If you have asthmatic children, the high levels of carbon monoxide emitted by the appliance may cause an attack.
What Are the Best Burning Logs?
Because of their low moisture content, kiln-dried logs are ideal for burning on a wood stove. But it’s up to you what kind of logs you burn based on your preferences! However, burning wet or badly seasoned firewood raises the risk of a dangerous chimney fire, so we would recommend you avoid that.
Hardwood is the best type of wood logs for burning because they ignite efficiently & produce more heat. Good hardwood logs for burning include oak, but there are plenty more options available, too, including beech, ash wood and birch. All of which provides a different level of warmth due to their varying density levels.
Kiln Dried Logs
Ready to Burn logs are logs that have been dried in a kiln. Kiln-drying removes excess moisture from the wood. It allows it to be used with far less risk of decomposing and splitting than untreated logs. Because the moisture content has been reduced, kiln-dried wood is safer to use and much easier and faster to light. It is less likely to cause an extreme flame when burning.
Most people find that Kiln Dried Logs burn more effectively, generate more heat, and are more cost-effective to burn. In addition to extending the life of your appliance, the kiln-drying process produces cleaner, more uniform logs.
About The Green Olive Firewood Company
Since 2016, our fuels have been BSL (Biomass Supplier List) approved for use in RHI-eligible appliances (Renewable Heat Incentive). Our firewood and heat logs are also certified under Woodsure’s ‘Ready to Burn’ scheme. We also have kiln drying facilities on our farm in West Sussex, which are powered by an industrial wood-burning boiler that qualifies for the RHI, and we use waste wood to power our kiln dryers.
We pride ourselves on providing only the best service to our customers at The Green Olive Firewood Company. So, if you require any additional information about our products or how to use them, please contact our expert team with any questions. Please call 0203 018 1918 or fill out our online form to reach a member of our team. To stay up to date, follow us on Twitter and Instagram!