Still Using Coal or Wet Wood?
The most polluting fuels are coal and wet wood. (unseasoned wood). This does not mean that your wood-burning fireplace or stove will have to be replaced with a more efficient fuel-burning model, however, it is going to make coal-burning fireplaces and stoves obsolete or will have to be converted.
As the sale of coal for home heating will not be available. The premise behind this is to lessen air pollution by improving the quality of fuel we burn in our homes.
This means that the two most polluting fuels will be banned. This does not mean that you can not burn wood. It does mean that you can no longer purchase or burn green wood or wood that has not been properly seasoned (ie: dried).
During this transition phase, firewood that is sold will be required to have a tag that states “READY TO BURN”, and if you are burning briquettes or fire logs they will be required to have a tag that states” SUITABLE TO USE IN SMOKE CONTROLLED AREAS”…
A few things that can help if you cut and cure your own wood is a moisture meter, Logs should contain no more than 20% moisture. Wood should be stored in a dry well-ventilated area, off of the ground, and kept dry with a tarp just covering the top of the pile and not the sides.
Also to aid in having your wood-burning fireplace run at top efficiency is to have it cleaned and inspected on an annual basis. This is good news for both the environment as well as public health.
What’s The Problem With Burning Coal and Wet Wood?
Wood and coal-burning fireplaces and stoves are the main sources of the pollutant PM2.5.
This pollutant consists of microparticle pollutants, thinner than human hair, that linger in the air because they are so light and fine.
These particles are easily inhaled and absorbed by the body and are the most serious air pollutant for human health, according to the World Health Organization.
Where Will This Apply?
Coal and wet woods are to be banned in Britain by 2023.
How Long Does It Take to Season Wood?
It takes approximately 6 months to 2 years to properly season firewood, depending on the climate and humidity where you live. The dryer the area the faster your wood could season.
There are a couple of ways to check to see if your firewood is seasoned. One way is to knock two pieces together, if it makes a hollow sound it should be cured.
Seasoned firewood should also be lighter than wet wood of similar size. The ends of the logs are coarse or splitting. The bark is easily coming away from the log or can be easily peeled off.
Or the most effective method is to get a moisture meter and you will know whether or not it is below 20% moisture. Burning seasoned firewood is better for the environment, your health, and your bank account