The Benefits of Kiln Dried Firewood in 2020

WHY KILN DRIED FIREWOOD IS SUPERIOR.

Many people don’t understand the quality of using Kiln Dried Wood.

The process of kiln-drying wood is undertaken to reduce the moisture content of the fuel to make it more suitable for burning.

Kiln drying is a technique that presents a solution to all of these issues. It involves taking the green wood and speeding up the drying process by placing it inside a kiln. The kiln may be powered by electricity, natural gas or even solar energy. When the wood is baked in this way, all of the moisture quickly evaporates off. Not only does this reduce the amount of time that it takes to dry the wood, but it also eliminates the problem of storage space and ensures that the wood is seasoned evenly. When wood is stacked, some areas are exposed to more air than others, and you can end up with parts that are fully seasoned and parts that still contain some moisture, which will cause issues when burning.

Unseasoned wood is actually a very poor fuel- the moisture content of an unseasoned log means that a great deal of the energy which is released during combustion is simply wasted in evaporating the moisture content of the log. This wasted energy could be utilised in heating your home or stove but instead it all simply goes up the chimney. Seasoned logs, like those available from leading Ireland manufacturer and suppliers, have a much lower moisture content thanks to the kiln-drying procedure.

Kiln drying reduces the moisture content from around 50-60% in unseasoned wood, right down to 15-25% in seasoned hardwood logs. This percentage change makes an incredible difference to the fuel efficiency of the wood as combustion releases more energy more effectively.

The reduced moisture content in seasoned kiln dried logs means that not only is it much easier and quicker to light a fire, but the fire will also burn much hotter and for longer as the combustion is far more efficient.

In a typical fire, burning 10 kiln dried logs with a water content of 25% or less, the same heat output is generated as burning 33 unseasoned logs with a water content of around 60%. This is a real indication of the difference in efficiency- It takes more than three non-seasoned logs to generate the same amount of heat as every single kiln-dried log.

By using kiln dried firewood your fire burns much hotter for longer meaning less fuel is required, reducing fuel bills and the amount of storage space you require in your log store.

During the burning process not only will kiln dried hardwood logs light much quicker, but also because the fuel burns for longer it requires far less attention in keeping the fire stoked with fuel. This is of great advantage in home appliances like stoves and heaters as they require less attention and provide better, cleaner burns.

Switch to Kiln Dried Firewood today.

For a great range of kiln dried logs for sale contact Eamonn at hello@nobother.ie or 0861777151

 

Book Stove Chimney Cleaning from nobother.ie

How To Clean A Stove

Cleaning a Matt Black Stove

You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black  stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust.

You can refresh a matt black stove with a fresh paint finish, either by brushing on tinned paint or by spraying on an aerosol paint; both available from Topline stores. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to painting your matt black stove. Please also follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Prepare
Brush down the cast iron using a grade one steel wool, ensuring that an even coat remains on the surface. Then dust the area.

2. Apply Paint
Apply the paint evenly over the surface. Two to three coats may be required depending on the condition of the original paint. Do not paint on thick coats and always allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Allow the final coat to dry overnight.

When firing the stove for the first time since painting, open a window as the paint will give off a smell during this first use.

Cleaning a Vitreous Enamel Stove

The high gloss vitreous enamel finish on your stove is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care. Here are some tips to help you keep it in the best condition:

  • Cleaning must be carried out when the stove is cool.
  • Regularly wipe the stove with a damp, soapy cloth, followed by a polish with a clean and dry duster. For stubborn deposits, carefully use a non-abrasive, soapy pad.
  • Only use products that are recommended by the stove manufacturer. Most stove companies sell their own brand of approved enamel cleaner. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product.
  • Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleaners containing citric acid on enamelled surfaces

CLEANING THE GLASS OF YOUR STOVES

Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draft conditions, poor quality fuel or very low burning for a long time. Only clean glass when stove is thoroughly cooled.

 

To clean the glass inner surface, use hot water and a soapy cloth.  For stubborn stains use hot water and fine (grade zero) steel wool.

SOME HANDY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR STOVE LASTING LONGER

Do not burn fuel with high moisture content, such as a damp peat or unseasoned timber. This will only result in a build up of tar in the stove and in the chimney.

Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining.

Do not burn rubbish/household plastic.

Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove.

Clean the chimney at least twice a year.

Before loading fresh fuel into the firebox, riddle fully to remove all ashes this

will allow better and cleaner burning.

Never allow a build up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely.

Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.