Properly preparedfirewoodguarantees trouble-free operation of the fireplace and the chimney flue. However, this is not as simple as it may seem. In addition to choosing the type of wood, it is very important tostore the firewoodand cut it into the correct size pieces. Before starting work, it is worth taking advantage of some valuable advice and tips and find outwhich firewoodwill be the best.
Hornbeam, beech, oak and ash are best suited as firewood, i.e. hardwood from deciduous trees
Which firewood to choose
Before we light the fire in the fireplace, we need to stock up onfirewoodThe choice should be carefully considered. It often happens that we burn wood obtained by chance, from various types of waste and carpentry remnants, cut furniture or remnants from the garden. However, burning it causes the emission of harmful compounds from varnishes, paints, glues, etc.
Also important arefuel wood parameters : calorific value and moisture. The efficiency of heating depends on it. Hornbeam, beech, oak and ash have the highest calorific value, i.e. hard wood from deciduous trees. Softwood burns much faster and the resin in it pollutes the chimney. If you already have coniferous wood as fuel, you should mix it with hardwood.
The actualcalorific value of wooddepends on its type, moisture content and age. It should be remembered that more heat can be obtained by burning dry wood, not damp and rotten wood. Firewoodshould cut down in winter when juices no longer circulate in it. Freshly cut wood contains approx. 60-80% of water and is not suitable for smoking.
The common opinion that wet wood burns longer, and therefore heating rooms with it is more profitable - is incorrect. When burning such wood, it dries first, and up to 40% of heat is lost when water evaporates from it. The most effective way is to burn wood with a moisture content of no more than 15-20% in the fireplace. You do not need a moisture meter to check thatfirewoodis dry enough. With a humidity of 23-25%, a touch of the hand is enough to feel that the wood is wet.
Storing firewood
Firewoodshould be stored - depending on the type - for at least 1-2 years. It should be insulated from the ground and laid loosely. It is good if the designated area is roofed, free of moisture and providing adequate ventilation.
One of theways to store firewoodis to stack it on a circle base, gradually tapering upwards (cone). Thanks to this, adequate air circulation will be ensured, which will lead to the drying of the wood. You should also cover the top of the block to protect it from rain. Another way is to stack the timber against the wall of the building in a cuboid shape. Also in this case, the internal logs should be placed end up in order to take advantage of the phenomenon of air circulation caused by the temperature difference at both ends of the logs.
You should not store firewood in the form of whole, not split logs, because even in a long period of time the moisture will not evaporate from inside and the wood will decay
The entire stack should be rearranged at least once a year to prevent moisture and mold growth on the inside and walls of the house. It's a good idea tostore firewood under the shelter When transporting wood home, we should take it at least enough for a whole day of smoking (this will allow it to warm up and gently dry it).You should not season the wood for the fireplace in the form of whole, not split logs, because even in a long period of time, moisture will not evaporate from its inside and the wood will decay. The logs should be cut into sections adapted to the dimensions of the hearth and split into halves or quarters. Their length, however, should not exceed 30 cm.
Cutting firewood
In order tocutting firewoodit is worth making your work easier by using appropriate devices. Petrol, electric or battery chain saws are ideal for this type of work. A wide range of equipment on the market allows you to choose the machine ideally suited to your needs.
Firewood should cut down in winter, when the trees no longer contain sap
" Chainsaws are widely used in households, both for cutting firewood and in many gardening works. These machines can be divided into: electric chainsaws - with motors powered by electricity, petrol chainsaws - with a combustion engine and battery-powered saws. We should start choosing the right device by answering the question: what is the purpose of the saw and how much wood we want to cut. If the chainsaw will not be used in the garden or in the vicinity of the house, it is worth choosing an electric saw. Their main advantage is lower weight, no exhaust gases and easy operation. For more demanding tasks, more powerful petrol chainsaws are recommended - said Jarosław Soboń, GARDENA brand expert. "
Choosing the right machine forfirewood cuttinghas a big impact on the safety and efficiency of work, so it is worth considering the purpose for which it is to be used before buying equipment. Answers to the following questions can help with this:
- To what extent do I know how to operate a chain saw?
- What do I need it for? Professional work, cutting wood for firewood …
- How big trees will I cut, will I experience the most? Large or small saw?
- How often will I use the chainsaw?
- How important are the functions that facilitate service and maintenance - easy access to the air filter and spark plug, easy chain tension adjustment, etc.
- In what seasons of the year will the saw be used? In winter - heated handles?
" The choice of the size of the chainsaw should be determined by: its displacement and its power. People who are inexperienced with a chainsaw should choose a smaller machine with less power, as it is much easier to operate with a chainsaw. However, if the saw is too small, the load on the saw becomes excessive, causing the machine to wear more quickly (especially when cutting hardwood from hardwoods).Very important issues are also: low vibration level of the handles, narrow, well-balanced body and high center of gravity of the machine. The choice of guide depends on the diameter of the trees and the hardness of the wood. The more power the motor has, the longer the guide can be used. Protection against kickback is also important. One should pay attention to the ease of replacing the broken pin of the chainsaw catch - explains Andrzej Cieciuch, Husqvarna expert. "
The development of new technologies, manufacturing techniques and materials for the production of chainsaws means that newer and more modern models are introduced to the market, e.g.
Husqvarna 236e chainsaw
"New model, ideal for pruning, less intensive cutting and home use. Easy to start and operate thanks to Husqvarna features such as ergonomic design, user-friendly technology and the powerful, low-emission X-Torq® engine.Excellent ergonomics and a weight-to-power ratio make the operation of the saw extremely comfortable.
Electric Chainsaw GARDENA CSI 4020-X
"High-performance Inline chainsaw with optimal balance. Thanks to the tool-free Quick-fit-System chain tensioning technique, the guide bar is quickly secured and the chain properly tensioned. Installation of the guide is made easier thanks to the built-in magnet. There is a function of stopping the chain in 0.15 sec, thanks to the Quick-stop function. The double-sided handle ensures optimal cutting in all working positions.
Chainsaw Partner P351 XT
"A light and versatile saw that is easy to start and easy to use. Perfect for work in the home garden, e.g.for pruning or cutting firewood. Easy starting is guaranteed by the fuel pump and electronic ignition. It also has an inertial chain brake.
GARDENA CST 2018-Li Cordless Chainsaw
"New powerful and efficient cordless chainsaw with replaceable 18V / 2.6Ah Li-ion battery for even more efficient and clean cutting. The optimal chain speed ensures a perfect cut with little effort. Easily cuts 60 tree trunks up to approx. 8 cm in diameter with one battery charge. It has advantages such as: chain stop within 0.15 sec. thanks to the quick-stop function and quick and tool-free chain tensioning. Easily cuts wood up to 20 cm in diameter.
Husqvarna 450 e chainsaw
A new powerful all-round saw for those who expect professional quality from a machine.The X-Torq® engine means lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. The switch that automatically returns to the starting position, the chain tensioner requires no tools and the visible fuel level makes it easy to operate the saw. It has a Smart Start® function and a fuel pump that make it easy to start the machine every time. The 450e is a rugged, powerful tool that can help with many jobs, combining technology with ergonomics.
Chainsaw Partner P738
"Petrol chainsaw with EcoBoost system for special tasks. EcoBoost is an advanced engine technology that ensures low emissions, increased power and reduced fuel consumption. It has double anti-kickback protection.
