Whether you have opted for a stove or an insert, when choosing the species of wood that you will burn, you should do so with full knowledge of the facts. Indeed, some may be more polluting, have lower energy efficiency or present risks to your health. Below we present which ones to ban and why.
Softwoods
It is recommended not to burn wood species such as fir, spruce or larch in a stove or fireplace. Certainly, these woods burn very well, but they burn too quickly and therefore have lower caloric value. Wood of this type can be used when well dried to make it easier to start a fire, but not constantly to heat.
The reason is that because they are rich in sap and release tar and residue, they are likely to clog or even block your ducts, which can cause a chimney fire or of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some hardwoods
Chestnut, hornbeam, oak and even beech are wood species that offer very good energy efficiency. Indeed, to the extent that they are dense woods, they allow slow and very calorific combustion which is very appreciated in terms of comfort in homes.
On the other hand, others, such as birch, plane tree or poplar, should be avoided. Like thorn trees, these woods tend to burn quickly and therefore, produce less heat. In addition, they also risk clogging your installations by depositing tar and numerous residues.
Chemically treated wood
When you want to burn wood in a stove or other, it is important to choose wood that has not undergone chemical treatment. In fact, some woods are treated with pesticides, but also preservatives in order to extend their lifespan. In these two cases, it is necessary to be careful, since when burning, these woods will not only release toxic fumes which can be harmful to your health and that of those around you, but also clog your chimney flue. This type of wood should therefore be avoided.
Green or damp wood
If your wood is damp, either because it was not stored under cover or because it was only recently cut, it is recommended to avoid burning it. If this type of wood is not dangerous strictly speaking, it is greatly preferable to let it dry first. And for good reason, damp or green wood will have difficulty burning and, as a result, can release a significant quantity of fumes harmful to the environment. To burn properly, the wood must display a humidity level below 20%.
Painted wood
Have you recovered wood that has previously been painted and would like to use it for your fireplace? This is a very bad idea and it is best to refrain from implementing it. Like chemically treated wood, the combustion of this type of wood proves very dangerous for your health and that of your loved ones, as well as for the environment. Remember that paints are made of chemicals which, when burned, release harmful substances. This type of wood must therefore be reserved for the recycling center.
Moldy wood
When stored improperly, wood can rot or mold, and it can be tempting to burn it anyway. However, to avoid taking any risks, it is necessary to know how to spot pieces of wood which can prove harmful when burning : these are those that have yellow or green spots, which are, in fact, mold spots.
When burning, this mold can release pollutants that are harmful not only to the environment, but also to your health. In this case, simply let the wood dry properly until these traces of mold have disappeared.
Driftwood
If you have driftwood, it is recommended that you do not burn it. The reason is that this type of wood has had a long stay in the sea and is therefore loaded with salt. This high salt content allows it to benefit from a natural protection which makes it a very beautiful material that can be used to create decorative elements.
But if you decide to burn driftwood, this high salt content may be the cause of the corrosion of your pipes. In addition, the fumes released may prove harmful to health people living in your home.