Firewood - how much do you burn?
Discussion
We've been in our current house for about two and a half years. This year we got the chimney swept and decided to start to use the lounge fire. First time we've ever had a real fire, so the novelty is still rather new. Anyway, I'm getting through a sack of logs every day at the moment - is that normal?
Why not get some bags of coal - they tend to last longer.
When we reinstated the fires throughout our house we had to have stainless liners fitted to the dining and living room fires as the mid feathers had collapsed in the chimney.
Because of this they draw like a blast furnace and will burn through wood at a frightening rate. Coal lasts longer and because it tends to sit lower in the grate, throws out more heat IMO.
When we reinstated the fires throughout our house we had to have stainless liners fitted to the dining and living room fires as the mid feathers had collapsed in the chimney.
Because of this they draw like a blast furnace and will burn through wood at a frightening rate. Coal lasts longer and because it tends to sit lower in the grate, throws out more heat IMO.
Edited by rhinochopig on Saturday 5th December 21:51
Not sure whereabouts you are in Hants, but we use http://www.southwickarboriculture.com/log-firewood... for our logs.
We have found cheaper but then find out that the others store their logs outdoors, whereas Southwick store them inside to season. Last year we used 2 lots of the large load and also 1/2 a tonne of coal on our wood burner
We have found cheaper but then find out that the others store their logs outdoors, whereas Southwick store them inside to season. Last year we used 2 lots of the large load and also 1/2 a tonne of coal on our wood burner
Used about 2 tonnes, very large open plan room, only heating in a part of Aus that hasa similar climate to northern Britain. Mind you we use Australian "box" hardwood - incredibly dense wood (think Aussie bushfires! 
) I'd imagine that British hardwood is similar but never had a fire back home.
I have had to use the bags available from garages a couple of times beween deliveries and it is either matchstick quality, or else decent stuff but cut very very thinly. Either way about a bag a day is normal for that stuff - avoid like the plague.
) I'd imagine that British hardwood is similar but never had a fire back home.I have had to use the bags available from garages a couple of times beween deliveries and it is either matchstick quality, or else decent stuff but cut very very thinly. Either way about a bag a day is normal for that stuff - avoid like the plague.
Yes avoid small bags of logs, and also avoid coal bought at the garage! Get coal from a coal merchant.
Unless your chimney is lined you need to be very careful burning logs alone. If the logs are not seasoned properly the tar in then will condense in your chimney and work its way through the brickwork and out into the rooms.
Burning a combination of coal and logs creates much greater heat which helps to prevent this
Unless your chimney is lined you need to be very careful burning logs alone. If the logs are not seasoned properly the tar in then will condense in your chimney and work its way through the brickwork and out into the rooms.
Burning a combination of coal and logs creates much greater heat which helps to prevent this
rhinochopig said:
Why not get some bags of coal - they tend to last longer.
After having an open fire and a mulitfuel stove for the last 10 years, I found the best way is to put some coal on once you have a good fire going. Then use logs as normal.It saves you having to get up every 15 mins to put more wood on!
gtr-gaz said:
rhinochopig said:
Why not get some bags of coal - they tend to last longer.
After having an open fire and a mulitfuel stove for the last 10 years, I found the best way is to put some coal on once you have a good fire going. Then use logs as normal.It saves you having to get up every 15 mins to put more wood on!
Egbert Nobacon said:
gtr-gaz said:
rhinochopig said:
Why not get some bags of coal - they tend to last longer.
After having an open fire and a mulitfuel stove for the last 10 years, I found the best way is to put some coal on once you have a good fire going. Then use logs as normal.It saves you having to get up every 15 mins to put more wood on!
Last year we got through 6 cubic metres of cut logs, which equates to roughly a wheelbarrow full a day, so about the same as your sackfull. This was feeding a 15 Kw logburner, and the room was hot enough to crack the plaster at ceiling level.
It helps to own 8 acres of woodland and a chainsaw, though.
It helps to own 8 acres of woodland and a chainsaw, though.
srebbe64 said:
We've been in our current house for about two and a half years. This year we got the chimney swept and decided to start to use the lounge fire. First time we've ever had a real fire, so the novelty is still rather new. Anyway, I'm getting through a sack of logs every day at the moment - is that normal?
Yep, I'd say it is. When we first moved here and liked the novelty of open log fires we'd be using sacks at about that rate. Like everyone else says, buy in bulk, aim to get hardwood loads and it works out much cheaper.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff