Today’s article focuses on selecting and preparing firewood for the heating season and how to store it properly. Open fireplaces are more decorative and have a high wood consumption. In contrast, fireplace stoves and inserts, due to their enclosed firebox, are much more economical and achieve combustion efficiencies of up to 80%. If you want to save money on fuel, consider investing in a fireplace stove or insert.

Selecting and preparing firewood

Firewood must be properly seasoned, not wet or freshly cut. Optimum wood moisture content, around 20% or less, is usually reached after two years of drying. This time may vary depending on the storage location and the type of wood.

The use of wet wood leads to smoke and tar formation, which pollutes the chimney, flue and firebox. Softwoods such as spruce, pine or larch can be used but are not ideal due to the resin content which can cause dangerous gunshots and smoke. Softwoods burn quickly to ash, while hardwoods turn into long-burning embers. Avoid using particleboard and chemically treated wood.

Proper storage of wood

Store wood in a dry and well-ventilated area for at least 6 months before use. The moisture content of the wood should be below 21 %. If storing wood on the ground, use pallets or boards to create a gap under the wood for air circulation to prevent dampness.

If you can, store the wood outside, for example under a roof overhang, where dryness and good air circulation are ensured. Alternatively, a well-ventilated cellar may also be a good place.

What kind of wood to buy?

Comparing wood species: Different types of wood have different calorific values. For example, beech, oak, hornbeam and ash have a high calorific value and burn longer than softwoods such as spruce or pine.

Choosing the right wood: Hardwoods such as oak and beech are more suitable for long-term heating. Softwoods are suitable for short-term heating. A combination of hardwood and softwood is ideal – softwoods are suitable for kindling, while hardwoods will ensure a long-lasting burn.

Starting a fire

Use small pieces of wood and kindling to build an effective fire. Gradually add larger pieces. It is important to maintain a stable temperature and add regularly to achieve optimum combustion.

Why use dry wood?

Advantages of dry wood: Dry wood burns better, produces more heat and less smoke. Burning wet wood increases soot formation and can lead to chimney damage.

How to identify dry wood: Dry wood has light gaps, less bark and sounds hollow when tapped. The best way to determine the moisture content of wood is to use a moisture meter, which measures the moisture content of a freshly split log.

Safety tips

Fire prevention: regularly clean soot from the chimney and firebox. Never leave an open fire unattended.

Maintain stoves and fireplaces: check the seals and condition of the stove to prevent poisonous gases from escaping into the home.

Environmentally friendly heating

Sustainable sources: Use wood from certified sources that guarantee the regeneration of forests.

Reduce emissions: Modern heaters with higher efficiency and proper heating techniques can significantly reduce emissions.

Following these recommendations will ensure efficient, safe and environmentally friendly heating in your woodstove or insert.