Do you heat with wood at home or at the cottage? Although this method is becoming more and more popular, it has its laws and rules. If you want to heat efficiently and save money, improper storage of wood is a big problem.
Due to rising energy prices, more and more people are returning to traditional heating methods and using wood heating. It ensures a warm and cozy atmosphere. Who wouldn’t like to warm up at home by the fireplace or stove in winter and enjoy the pleasant crackling of wood.
However, it is necessary to have material available that burns well. Therefore, proper wood storage is absolutely crucial. In this way, you will not only experience efficient heating, but also a reduction in overall costs.
How to properly store wood for heating? Watch an interesting YouTube video on the ŽELETAVSKÁ KAMNA channel:
Source: Youtube
Why heat with wood
Heating with wood has many advantages. This material is ecological and a renewable energy source. Wood is also cost-effective and costs less than other types of fuel. It also makes users less dependent on fluctuations in energy prices. In addition, the fire in the fireplace or stove creates a pleasant atmosphere and the warmth of the home.
What wood is best for heating?
The best option is hardwood such as oak, beech, hornbeam or ash. These species have a high calorific value, which means that they emit more heat when burned and burn longer. However, even soft wood such as spruce or pine has its advantages. It burns faster and at a lower temperature, which is ideal for a quick flood, but not for efficient and long-term heating.
Improper storage
When you store wood properly, you will burn a lot less money. If you store wood incorrectly, it will contain unwanted moisture, which will not only reduce its calorific value, but also increase fuel consumption. Damp wood burns more poorly and also produces more smoke and soot, which can damage the chimney and increase the risk of fire. So what must be observed for proper wood storage?
Proper drying
Firewood should properly be dried for at least a year to reach an optimal moisture content of around 20%. Damp wood contains a large amount of water, which evaporates when burned instead of being converted into heat.
Dryness test
You can do a test to find out if the wood is dry enough. Place one log overnight in a closed plastic bag and if its inner walls are dewy, it is quite evident that the wood is still too wet for heating. Properly dried wood can also be recognized by the amount of cracks or sound. Dry wood emits a louder and clearer tone when tapped or chopped than wet wood.
Wood needs air
Wood must be stored in a dry and well-ventilated place. A woodshed or an outdoor shed is ideal, where there will be enough air for circulation. Never place firewood directly on top of the dirt, as this exposes it to moisture and the risk of it becoming moldy or attacked by unwanted insects.
It is best to store it on pallets or racks, at least 20 cm above the ground. The wood should be protected at the top from rain and snow by a roof, leaving the sides exposed so that the wood can breathe freely.
Only a reasonable amount at home
If you want to have firewood of good quality, do not bring home a large batch at once for heating. Just choose the amount you burn that day and night. Indoor storage prevents additional moisture from evaporating. In addition to the poor burning quality, it could “awaken” to life insects that hide in the wood and survive the cold season in it.
Resources: www.masonschimneyservice.com, www.reflex.cz, www.horydoly.cz
