Many wood boilers produce a lot of heat over a long period while using as little wood as possible. However, this is not set in stone, and the efficiency of your wood boiler depends on the wood you use and how it is prepared. Today, many wood boilers can use different types of wood with few restrictions on the kind of wood. On the other hand, the method of preparing firewood plays a critical role in how well your wood boiler works.
What Are the Different Types of Wood that Work for Your Wood Boiler?
There are many different species of wood, each very slightly how they burn and how many btu/lb they contain. Here is a simple breakdown of some types of wood and how they work with a wood boiler.
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Hard and Soft Woods
Depending on their structure, all trees usually fall under hard or softwood. Softwoods catch fire faster and release more energy quickly compared to hardwoods. Softwoods also do not create a good coal bed because they burn too fast. Hardwoods, however, are much more energy efficient, burning for longer, leaving less deposit, and creating great coal beds.
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Seasoned or Greenwood
People collect, cut, store, and dry wood for at least 4 months, so its moisture content will lower. Green wood that is cut and has less than two months to dry contains a lot of moisture. Both will burn, but seasoned wood will burn much better, producing more heat for longer. Greenwood has the potential to create creosote in the boiler and in the chimney, which is hard to clean and can cause chimney fires.
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Mixing it Up
You can use green wood and softwood because they are more readily available. However, throwing in some seasoned wood is better to ensure better burn times and more heat. This mix will also likely produce a good coal bed, making heat much longer.
Preparing Firewood for Your Boiler
Preparing your firewood requires an excellent strategy to ensure better burn times and lower ash and creosote levels.
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Cutting Logs
When cutting your wood, you must ensure it is short enough for the boiler and one person to carry it. It is also an excellent strategy to have them all in a similar length for better stacking. Most log splitters only go to 24” long.
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Splitting the Wood
When splitting the wood, the wood must be smaller in cross-section than the smallest part of your boiler door. Splitting the wood is critical to let it lose moisture so it is well seasoned. You will need a maul or a gas-powered splitter.
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Stacking the Wood
Stacking the wood will significantly affect how quickly the wood will season. Stacking the wood properly and keeping it off the dirt will protect against the wood rotting. Ideally, once the wood is stacked neatly, you should cover the top with a tarp to shield it from rain and snow.
Bottom Line
Preparing wood for your boiler will take time, but it will be worth it in the end. Longer burn times and more heat are all worth the time, especially in the chilly months. It can also be a great way to pass your time and enjoy older rhythms.