Efficient home heating with log burner logs

There is a huge surge in interest in home log burners at the moment, as they look great and are 'eco' too

A typical UK home - as most of us know - is heated with a gas boiler sending hot water to various radiator units, dotted around the house. Some people are taking the wiser option and switching to underfloor heating, which is vastly more efficient, is more comfortable and enjoys lower running costs.

In addition to these common heating systems, people are also installing log burners in their living rooms and snugs. Not only do they look great as a central visual feature in the room, but they can quickly heat a large spaces with minimal cost and a low eco impact.

Instead of burning fossil fuels, like gas, coal or oil, log burner logs are a natural renewable resource. So, although they release CO² back into the admosphere when burnt, this is just CO² that was taken from the atmosphere in the first place, while the tree was growing - with the added benefit of heating your home. Obviously when you burn fossil fuels, you're releasing CO² that has been locked away in the Earth for millions of years, which is damaging to the environment. So, as long as you're buring logs from a renewalable source (ie. they're planting more tress than they're cutting down) then you're on a winner.

Log Burner Logs

So what about the logs themselves? What logs are available?

Softwood Logs

As the name suggests, these are made from softwood trees and are usually at the cheaper end of the scale. This is because they burn quicker - as they are less dense and lighter. They are ideal for open fires, multifuel stoves and any wood-burning appliances. However, you will need to buy a greater quantity.

Hardwood Logs

These burn much longer and can burn at a higher temperature, as they are made from much denser and heavier wood. So you'll fewer logs than softwood but they will be priced slightly higher.

Kiln Dried Logs

If you want to keep your log burner as clear from soot build-up as possible and release fewer particles into the atmosphere (burn more cleanly), then kiln dried logs are the best option. This is because nearly all the moisture has been removed from the logs, using a kiln drying process beforehand. You should get a much more even burn at a lower air-inlet setting, and they'll release their heat slower and more efficiently.

 

You buy Log Burner Logs from this recommended online retailer:

Fuels4U
www.fuels4u.com