Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

Before you purchase before you buy, it is essential to be aware of the following points about selecting the right logs for wood burners. The first is that fully seasoned ready to burn logs generate more heat than un-seasoned timber.

Larch a fast-growing conifer that produces decent heat but can be infected by Phytophthora Ramorum so is best mixed with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you own a contemporary Ecodesign wood-burning stove or multifuel burner you will want to use logs that have been kiln-dried. They burn hotter and produce more heat (4-5KW/kg) than logs that haven't been kiln dried. They also burn longer and be much lighter to light. They will also produce less particulates, which could cause blackening of the stove glass or tar/soot getting into the chimney flue.

The process of kiln-drying is a method of forcing moisture out of wood. It could take anywhere from 60 hours to one week or more for this to occur but when it is done, the logs are then ready for use. This kind of firewood is suitable for use in open fires, pizza ovens and indoor wood burners, as well as barbecues that burn logs outdoors and firepits.

When choosing a supplier of kiln dried logs it is essential to check that they are HETAS and/or Woodsure accredited to guarantee that they are in compliance with quality standards. It is also a great idea to choose kiln dried logs that are certified by the FSC certification. This means they were harvested and processed in a legal manner.

One of the major advantages of Kiln dried logs is that they are ready to use immediately upon delivery. They will have a low moisture content of 20 percent and will be easy to light, meaning you will be able to spend more time in front of the fire and less time tending to it.

You can still use untreated seasoned wood logs in your wood burning stove or open fire, but for the best results, then it is a good idea to kiln dry them. way forward. Another advantage of this is that it can reduce the amount of creosote that builds up in your chimney, reducing the risk of a fire in your chimney and the need for costly chimney cleaning services.

One of the most sought-after kinds of kiln dried wood is Hornbeam. It is a thick kind of wood that is hardy and has high ember retention. It will produce a great fire and is great for those who are tired of constantly refilling their stoves or log burner fireplace ideas burners.

Air Dried

When you buy logs for your wood stove, you have two main options: kiln dried or air dried. Both of these types of logs require a low moisture content level to ensure they can burn efficiently. They must also be seasoned and split before you begin using them. This process is a slow and lengthy one which can make the difference between good quality firewood and that which doesn't emit any heat at all.

Kiln dried logs tend to be more expensive than dried in the air. This is due to the fact that it is more expensive to operate and buy a kiln compared to drying logs in the open air. However the kiln drying process can result in consistently high-quality firewood that is thoroughly dried.

The lower moisture content of kiln dried logs means that they can also light easily and burn quickly for a long time without the need for creosote. This helps to reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and the need for regular chimney cleaning.

Typically, air dried logs are stacked in crates with some kind of cover. It can take a while for these logs to dry to the proper moisture level and each species of tree having its own time frame to accomplish this. As an example, ash will dry quickly whereas oak can take as long as two years to be ready to be used on a stove made of logs.

During the drying process sunlight and wind is allowed to traverse the slatted crates, which causes the logs to slowly dry down in an efficient way. This means that the logs will reach a equilibrium moisture content level, which means that they won't absorb or lose any more water, and 5 kw log burner they'll be ready to use.

Another benefit of dried logs that are air-dried is that they usually have a lower checking (or natural cracking) than kiln-dried logs, which makes them ideal for those who want their log burners to look nicer. They might require more attention during burning, as they need to be split into smaller pieces, and then stacking again to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

If you own an dimplex electric log burner log burner, you probably know that it is more beneficial to use seasoned firewood rather than green or damp firewood. Wet wood burns less efficiently and creates more smoke and soot than dry logs.

Green wood generally has a moisture content of around 50 percent, however if it is seasoned properly it can be reduced to less than 20%, which means that it is able to burn much more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is lighter to light and keeps burning, and it produces very little creosote.

You can actually season your own logs using an easy method of stacking them in a ventilated area for a specified time. If you're buying your logs ready-made and want to ensure that they've been properly dried, it's worth the cost to purchase kiln dried logs. The logs are artificially dried in a large, temperature- and humidity-controlled kiln. The kiln process is faster than the natural air-drying process, and also assists in ensuring that the logs have a consistent low moisture content throughout.

Kiln-dried wood may be more expensive initially but they can become more affordable over time since you get more energy for your dollars. This is due to the fact that the energy required to evaporate the moisture remaining in the logs is significantly less, so the majority of that energy can be used to burn the logs themselves.

Kiln-dried wood is also protected from rain damage. The kiln drying process removes moisture from the logs, and puts them in a protected environment. This means that you can keep your logs outside if you wish, without them becoming waterlogged and inaccessible. If you choose to store logs outside be sure to keep them out of the weather and under cover if feasible. This will keep the damage caused through prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or ice.

Split

If you want to keep your log stove functioning correctly, nothing beats a supply of seasoned wood. Pre-split firewood can be expensive. If you're looking to save money while having a warm fire on cold winter nights, why not DIY?

Splitting your own logs for a fire is a satisfying way to enjoy better and more powerful fires while channeling your inner lumberjack. Splitting your own wood decreases your carbon footprint, as you do not rely on external suppliers or transport. It's also an excellent way to build and tone your arms. If you're fortunate enough to have an axe in your shed, a few hours of practice will help you build your skills, giving you the confidence to tackle larger logs.

Begin by selecting an open space outdoors where you have plenty of room to swing the axe. Make sure you're wearing sturdy work boots, since you don't want to hurt yourself while working with the axe. Also, be sure to have a first aid kit in your bag in the event of accidents. It is important to work at a comfortable pace and take a break. The fatigue can affect your reaction time, 5 kw log burner which can increase the likelihood of making a mistake and injury to yourself.

If you're beginning with a complete 5 kw log burner, look for cracks that radiate from middle of the electric log burner fire to allow for an easier cut. You can then place one of the splitting wedges in a crack and then hit it with the sledge. The force of the sledge will force it further into the crack, splitting the log into two pieces. Repeat this process until the whole multi fuel log burner is divided into wedges.

Once your logs are split into pieces, they'll need drying out completely before burning in your Arada stove. This may take a while if the logs are stored in a pile, which is open to the elements as the bark acts as a moisture barrier and prevents water evaporation throughout. If you keep your logs in an efficient firewood rack, this will speed up the drying process.