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2. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the insert, split to a range of sizes and stacked
in an open area until its moisture content is down to 15% to 20%.
DO NOT BURN:
• COAL;
• GARBAGE;
• LAWN CLIPPINGS OR YARD WASTE;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING RUBBER,
INCLUDING TIRES;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING PLASTIC;
• WASTE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, PAINTS OR
PAINT THINNERS, OR ASPHALT PRODUCTS;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS;
• CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION DEBRIS;
• RAILROAD TIES OR PRESSURE-TREATED
WOOD;
BURNING THESE MATERIALS MAY RESULT IN RELEASE OF TOXIC FUMES OR RENDER
THE HEATER INEFFECTIVE AND CAUSE SMOKE.
2.1
Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content. The
main difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood. Hardwoods are
denser than softwoods.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood use both types for different purposes.
Softer woods make good fuel for mild weather in spring and fall because they light quickly and
produce less heat. Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods so a given volume of wood
contains less energy. Using softwoods avoids overheating the house, which can be a common
problem with wood heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder winter
weather when more heat and longer burn cycles are desirable.
Note that hardwood trees like oak, maple, ash and beech are slower growing and longer lived
than softer woods like poplar and birch. That makes hardwood trees more valuable. The advice
that only hardwoods are good to burn is outdated. Old, leaky cast iron inserts wouldn't hold a
fire overnight unless they were fed large pieces of hardwood. That is no longer true.
2.2
Log Length
Logs should be cut at least 1 " (25 mm) shorter than the firebox so they
fit in easily. Pieces that are even slightly too long makes loading the
insert very difficult. The most common standard length of firewood is
16 " (400 mm).
Wood Inserts – Owner's Manual
• MANURE OR ANIMAL REMAINS;
• SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD OR OTHER
PREVIOUSLY SALT WATER SATURATED
MATERIALS;
• UNSEASONED WOOD; OR
• PAPER PRODUCTS, CARDBOARD, PLYWOOD,
OR PARTICLEBOARD. THE PROHIBITION
AGAINST BURNING THESE MATERIALS DOES
NOT PROHIBIT THE USE OF FIRE STARTERS
MADE FROM PAPER, CARDBOARD, SAW
DUST, WAX AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES FOR
THE PURPOSE OF STARTING A FIRE IN AN
AFFECTED WOOD HEATER.
Page 9
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