Heat Efficiency

Heat Efficiency and the secret to a good fire which produces constant heat. Firstly most importantly, wood that has been seasoned for more than a year. In the case of oak, you’ll want to season the wood at least two years, sometimes longer. Much of the wood for sale these days is green and needs another year at least to season correctly.

Seasoned wood burns much better than green wood. This is because it produces more heat and less creosote build-up in the fireplace and chimney. Green or unseasoned wood, on the other hand, is hard to light and difficult to keep burning. If your wood smoulders and burns poorly with little heat, it’s probably green wood which has a high-water content.

You can tell if the wood is seasoned by looking at it. On the outside, seasoned wood probably looks grey and dusty from sitting around for a while. But on the inside, it’s often dry and white, usually lighter than on the outside.

New wood, on the other hand looks like it came fresh from the timber mill. Also new wood will be same colour throughout the wood.

How to save money consistently with Heat Efficiency.

There are two main types of stoves: multi fuel or wood burning. On average 58% of people own a wood burning stove, and 42% a multi fuel stove.

Multi fuel stoves can burn pellets and coal as well as wood. But bear in mind pellet tends to be more expensive. Additionally new eco design stoves offer superior heat efficiency.

Wood can be free. For example, collecting fallen branches from your garden or local woods. But you will need to have space and time to dry the wood out. As such wet wood will burn far less efficiently. Burning wood in a multi fuel stove is also possible. But because these fuels burn differently, stoves are often optimised for one type.

Can we help?

If you are thinking of installing a new wood stove please do get expert advice as fitting the incorrect stove could prove costly. Should you require assistance please do make contact and one of our fully qualified (HETAS registered) fitters. Finally we will be happy to assist and discuss and questions you have without any obligation and even arrange a free install survey