What Fuel Should You Be Burning?

If you own a wood-burning stove or a multi-fuel stove then it is important that you burn not just the most efficient fuel but also the least polluting. 

Did you know for example, 5% of people still burn wet wood and 4% burn house coal? 

These are two of the worst fuels for pollution. Wet logs are especially very inefficient! 

 

 

So can I burn logs?

You shouldn’t burn wet logs - ones that you say find in your garden. 

The high moisture content of these logs on average contain 60% - 80% moisture! This means that energy is just wasted to burn the log itself. These also create more pollution and lead to a build up in your chimney. 

A general rule of thumb - Only burning wood with a maximum of 20% moisture. The lower the moisture level the better

 

 

So what about burning coal?

Bultiminous house coal contains sulphur, this omits pollution rivalling wet logs. 

Smokeless coal or fuels are much more environmentally friendly though and due to their high carbon content and so much more efficient! 

A form of smokeless coal is anthracite, which naturally occurs. Manufactured smokeless coals, will use an anthracite as the base product before combining with briquettes (compress blocks) combined with a smokeless agent. 

These are a lot more less polluting and efficient. 

 

 

So what is best?

There is no right or wrong answer with what you choose to burn. 

If you are choosing to burn logs though we recommend you look out for the Ready to Burn logo, coming in force by May 1st.

This will ensure that any logs you purchase contain less than 20% moisture and thus make them a lot more efficient. 

You can choose to burn your own logs, but it can take upto 2 years, depending on conditions for these logs to dry out. 

If coal is your preferred choice of fuel then we would suggest natural anthracite coal and smokeless fuel. 

These are more expensive than traditional coal, but ensure your pollution levels are low and you have the best heat source.