In Ireland, there is always a bit of a discussion about whether to use either Softwood of Hardwood. But the main issue should be whether your firewood is seasoned or not. As the difference is Burn Time is canceled out by the price difference. But if you've an open fireplace and are worried about sparking, then a good quality spark guard should help. Then you can rest assured that whatever firewood is seasoned and ready for sale, you can enjoy it knowing your getting value for money.
Comparison Illustration.
Firewood Sources and Supplies.
The firewood is sourced in many different ways. Hardwood comes mainly from tree surgery, although some can come from forestry. Softwood comes from managed forestry, tree surgery and also from rejected timber from the sawmill industry. Because of our planting history, most of the forests, both state and private, have been predominantly planted with softwood for commmercial production. Hardwood planting has been minimal in the past, although this is being rectified over recent years. But because of the growing times of hardwood and the other uses for it, supplies can be tight at times. thus hardwood logs have always been more expensive. So to counteract this, because supplies of softwood is plentiful, we have put in place facilites and processes to season more softwood, so we as a community can use the resource that we have plenty of. We do this in a passive way so as to keep cost to a minimum. Thus we can reduce the price of softwood to a level where you get the same value for money as hardwood gives you. Put another way, hardwood burns longer than softwood, but our softwood is less expensive, so you get more for your money. Thus cancelling out the difference!
Firewood Production.
The production methods we use are as simple and efficient as we can make them. There is as little transport and processes used as possible. Unlike other 'ECO' products like wood pellets and wood briquettes, which are both heavily processed, using more energy. After all, its no point producing 'Green Energy' at any cost, either to you OR the environment.
Packaging and Delivery.
Where possible, we try not to use packaging. We try to deliver loose loads as often as possible, changing the volume to suit customers where possible. Where we need to use packaging, it's either re-usable or recyclable. For example, the bulk bags that you can collect 1m3 of firewood in. We re-use them as often as we can. And the small bags, they are made of a recyclable plastic.
Heating Methods.
There are three main methods for heating with firewood. The first and most traditional is of course the Open Fireplace. Although fairly inefficient, with the addition of a back boiler is a simple and cosy way to heat your home for less than you might expect. The second is the Stove. The Stove is approximately twice as efficient as an open fire. And again, with the addition of a back boiler, this can really pump out the heat for space and water heating. The third way to use firewood is to use a Log Gasification boiler. By using this method you get the benefit of the cheap fuel and the convenience of the boiler. if you are looking for a way to upgrade your home heating, this is the way to go. These are highly efficient and convenient. It just replaces your existing boiler, and most will only need a burn once every couple of days. This method coupled with some solar panels is, in our opinion, the most efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to heat your home.
Storage Methods.
You can store your firewood inside or outside, wherever you have space. If it will be stored inside, make sure you remove any plastic or impermeable packaging. If your storing it outside, stack it against a wall. You can stack it a few rows deep if needed, but keep it leaned onto the wall, to make sure it doesn't fall down. If you can keep it off the ground that's perfect, even on some well drained gravel would be good. Then cover the top to stop it getting really wet, but leaving the rest uncovered will allow it to air dry continuosly.
