A fireplace is a popular and eco-friendly supplementary heating method and mood creator in many Finnish homes during the winter months. High-quality firewood improves heating efficiency and reduces harmful emissions. To get the most out of wood heating, procuring and storing the right kind of firewood is key. In this article, we offer tips on procuring and storing firewood so that you can heat your home efficiently and environmentally.
1. Choosing the Wood Species
Different wood species burn differently, and their heat output varies. Hardwoods such as birch, alder, and oak are dense and produce a lot of heat, making them the most popular firewood. Birch is the most common firewood in Finland due to its good heat output and easily separable bark. Softwoods such as pine and spruce burn faster and throw off more sparks. By choosing hardwood, such as birch, you get a more even burn and more efficient heat output.
2. Moisture Content of Woodpiles
The moisture content of firewood is a crucial factor in its combustion efficiency. Freshly cut wood contains up to 50% water, and if it is too wet, it burns poorly, produces a lot of smoke, and soots up the chimney. The ideal moisture content for firewood is around 15–20%, which is achieved through proper drying. Make sure that the firewood you order is dry. Dry wood either by buying pre-dried firewood or by drying it yourself for at least one summer in a well-ventilated area
3. Firewood Quantity and Storage
In Finland, wood heating is seasonal for most people, but procuring enough firewood for the entire winter is important. On average, a single-family home needs 3–5 cubic meters of dry firewood during the winter season, depending on the size of the house and how much wood heating is used. Procure the firewood well in advance in summer or spring and store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Protect the woodpile from rain with a roof or waterproof tarpaulin, for example.
4. Price and Availability
The price of firewood varies by region and depends on whether you buy pre-split and dried wood or process it yourself. In 2024, firewood prices have risen to around 60–80 euros per loose cubic meter, so procuring the right wood can be a significant financial decision. Consider whether you buy firewood directly from the forest and process it yourself, which can be more affordable but requires time and effort. If you choose pre-dried wood, make sure of its quality and moisture content.
5. Environmentally Friendly Firewood Use
For environmental reasons, it is important to ensure that firewood burns cleanly and efficiently. Well-dried firewood reduces emissions and sooting, while burning wet wood produces more smoke and fine particulate emissions. It is also important to avoid burning trash or treated wood, as they can release toxic substances into the air. Always use dry firewood and make sure that the fireplace draft works correctly. Do not burn painted or treated wood, as it can cause harmful emissions.
A Fireplace Master Developed a Device That Saves Firewood and Reduces Emissions
The Finnish innovation LumoX Ekoair air guide was developed to save firewood and reduce emissions. Its operation is based on controlled air circulation in the firebox, which makes the combustion gases burn more efficiently. As its name suggests, the air guide directs preheated air to the right place, i.e., over the combustion gases during the burning process. Then the preheated air does not cool the combustion gases, and by optimally directing the combustion air, the combustion gases burn efficiently in the firebox, so they do not escape unburned as waste heat and pollution into the environment. Using the EkoAir air guide is easy. The device is placed on top of the firebox grate, and the firewood is loaded on top of the Ekoair grate. In the accompanying video, you can see in more detail how the device works.
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LumoX Ekoair+ air guide-grate (fireplaces and heaters)
199.00 € incl. 25.5% VAT
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