How to obtain quality combustion in a fireplace or wood stove?

Published on : 29 April 20204 min reading time

As winter approaches, everyone tends to use a variety of heating methods. Regardless of the type of heating element, there are criteria that must be met to achieve optimal combustion. In the case of a fireplace or wood stove, it is vital to know the right properties of the firewood in order to have a good fire. In order to obtain a good ignition, it is first necessary to know the fire triangle. This triangle is the combination of three elements: fuel, energy and oxidant. Here, wood represents the fuel: it is the material that can catch fire. So how can you get a good combustion in a fireplace and a wood stove?

Recognising the quality of wood and choosing the right wood

The quality of the wood has a huge influence on the combustion, as this element is supposed to catch fire with the action of the other elements in the fire triangle. In order to be able to discern quality wood, two types of wood should be chosen in general. Woods that are hard such as beech, oak or birch provide long-lasting combustion, while woods that are soft have a tendency to burn out more quickly: pine and fir are particularly noticeable. In order to avoid clogging the ducts of your heating element, it is advisable not to use softwood. Good heating quality requires dry wood, i.e. the moisture content must be less than 20%. In addition, freshly cut wood gives off half the heat of dry wood. In short, a good quality fire is achieved with dry wood that has a large amount of air intake and good smoke extraction. This combustion naturally rhymes with efficiency, which means a reduced consumption of wood for a consequent heat and a very moderate smoke. Dry wood of good quality contains no traces of fungi or mould, the bark is easily detachable and the flame is blue during combustion. The site combustibles-gruchy.fr offers a wide range of firewood in Paris. You can choose the type of wood that is particularly suitable for your installation.

The best firewood

With a fireplace or wood stove installation, the best firewood offers many benefits to consumers and the environment. These advantages include energy savings, quality combustion and a soft and homogeneous diffusion. In order to have quality wood, do not hesitate to ask your supplier about the following criteria: the moisture content, the type of wood and the calorific value. In addition, there are often certifications that note in advance the qualities of such a type of wood. Depending on the choice of wood species, duration and quality, the combustion will be affected by this criterion. Concerning the calorific value of wood, we are talking here about a quantity of wood of different types that produce heat for the same weight taken into account. The best firewood can be found in the group of hardwoods: oak, ash or maple, for example. Their calorific value is such that the emission of smoke is lower compared to other types of wood.

The different forms of firewood

Apart from the traditional shape of wood, there are different shapes that bring warmth to your home. The most recognized forms are bulk wood pellets: they have a high calorific value because their humidity level is very low: less than 10%. Compressed wood logs tend to dethrone conventional firewood, because these logs have not undergone any treatment requiring chemicals: they are produced with wood residues that are assembled and shaped to give a solid appearance. They have a moisture content of less than 8%. Wood chips are on the last list for wood-burning: their moisture content is still high, but they have a high calorific value and are priced fairly cheaply compared to other types of wood.

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