Some Hints and Tips on burning hardwood logs
- Burn small, hot fires - they produce much less smoke than ones that are left to smoulder.
- Burn barn dried, seasoned wood. This is hardwood which has been allowed to try over at least one summer season. Green wood is a major culprit in the creation of creosote.
- Burn logs that are 10 -15 cm (4-6 inches) in diameter. Woodburners burn better with more surface area exposed to the flame.
- Never burn rubbish, plastics, cardboard, glossy paper or polystyrene.
- Never burn wood that has been taken from salt water. Chlorine combines with the smoke to produce dioxins and furans, which are dangerous carcinogens.
- Never burn treated or painted wood, particulate-board or plywood.
- Store logs outside, off the ground and covered. Bringing green wood indoors to dry can promote the growth of allergy-causing mould spores circulating indoors.
- Use a high-efficiency woodburner, fireplace or insert that is certified to produce low emissions. Suitable brands include Clearview, Vermont Castings, Dovre Castings Ltd, Dunsley Yorkshire Stoves, Morso, Osier and Jotul.
- Have the systems installed by a professional and have it inspected and cleaned every year.
- Make sure the woodburner, fire or stove is getting enough air - check that the air inlet is open wide enough to keep the fire burning briskly, resulting in complete combustion and less smoke. Chimney fans with adjustable speed control have the added advantage of improving the efficiency of the appliance by creating exactly the right amount of draught at all times. Excessive draught causes the wood to burn faster and can cool the flame which leads to more smoke.
Did you know...?
... that using wood as a fuel has a number of benefits. Firstly, contrary to what many people think burning wood can be environmentally
beneficial. Much of the woodland in the UK is semi-natural woodland and benefits from being managed. Secondly, providing the wood
comes from a sustainable source, wood is a source of renewable energy. Using wood as a fuel also benefits the rural economy by providing
local employment and an opportunity for diversification for farmers and other landowners.