Household energy – air quality: using cleaner fuels for domestic burning

The Government announced on 21st February 2020 that the sale of traditional bituminous coal and small volume (less than 2m³ loose load) wet wood (moisture content of more than 20%) is being phased out by 1st May 2021.

Loads of wet wood 2m³ will still be available but will have to be sold with details of how to store the wood correctly to allow it to season further before use.

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The maximum 20% moisture figure does not take into account the effect moisture in the air has on wood.

For example, a log on a sunny summer day could have a moisture content of 10% but that same log on a wet winter day could have a moisture content of 30%.

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Kiln dried logs can have a very low moisture content when first removed from the kiln, but will absorb atmospheric moisture just the same as an air dried log, unless they are vacuum packed.

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Aldsworth Logs wood is stored and cut outside.

The logs are cut as close to delivery as possible and are always boxed and covered until delivery.

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We always recommend ordering a delivery well in advance of needing to use the logs - spring and summer deliveries give the logs plenty of time to season really well before use.

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We also recommend using a suitable log store and siting it in a location with plenty of ventilation and sunlight, well away from sitting water or leaking gutters etc.

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With the increase in wood being sent to biomass burners to create 'green' electricity, we can no longer obtain wood that has already been felled for 2+ years before purchase.  It will have been felled for at least 12 months.

This increases the need to purchase your firewood well in advance.

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We continue to do everything we can to supply quality seasoned locally sourced hardwood logs, but we cannot guarantee that it will be below 20% moisture content.

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The Government Regulations require us to give all customers the following statement (exactly as issued by the Government) with all wood loads:

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"This wood is not suitable for burning until is has been dried.  You should not burn wood until is has a moisture contact of 20% or less.

Wet wood contains moisture which creates smoke and harmful particulates when burnt.  As well as being harmful to your health and the environment, this can damage your stove and chimney and is an inefficient way to hear your home.  Dry it in a sunny, well-aired space for at least two years, keeping rain off in the winter.

Radial cracks and bark that comes off easily suggests wood that is ready for burning.  Test the wood when you think it is ready for burning, ideally with a moisture meter.  First calibrate the meter and then measure a freshly split surface to get the best reading."