FIREWOOD FAQ'S
What is a cord? A cord is the standard or most common measurement for firewood in North America. It is 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood. A stack 4' long x 4' tall x 8' wide or a variation that is 128 cubic feet, like 16" wide x 4' tall x 24' long.
Some use the terms bush cord or stove cord which are both full cords of 128 cubic feet.
The terms rick cord or face cord are more of a variable measurement that refers to a single row of firewood stacked 4' tall x 8' long . So it won't always be a true 1/3 cord if it's say 14" pieces instead of 16" pieces.
Woodchuckers delivers loose firewood, not stacked. We will deliver 1 loose cord of 175 to 180 cubic feet which when stacked will give you a generous 128 cubic feet.
What is the best firewood? Many variables so here's a chart to compare the species Woodchuckers carries. A number of sources will give differing opinions and numbers. Generally speaking hardwoods are better, however, Tamarack burns hotter and less ash than birch. Pine is a great over-all choice and biggest seller by far. Please note we do NOT sell Alberta White or Paper Birch except our 12" birch when available.
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What are BTU's? British thermal units are a measurement of energy, specifically the amount of energy required to heat one pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit. So the higher the btu the more heat the firewood produces.
What about moisture? Nothing will kill BTU's more than moisture. Not only will too much moisture waste heat it will cause a cooler fire causing more smoke and creosote build up and a greater possibility of chimney fires. Majority of sources say 20% moisture is considered seasoned, we aim for 12 to 16% at Woodchuckers.
SAFETY TIPS
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always ensure there are no fire bans in your area.
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check out www.albertafirebans.ca
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Burn clean, well-seasoned firewood that has been split and dried properly.
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Don't let a small spark ignite a big blaze.
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Ensure you have a properly fitted screen around your fireplace. A decorative screen may not provide protection.
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Don’t burn garbage, plastic, particleboard, plywood, or any other painted or treated wood. They release toxic chemicals building up creosote.
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Remove ashes regularly.
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new stove’s or fireplace’s should be professionally installed.
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Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, as required by the National Fire Code of Canada, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
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Keep the fire hot and small. Feed it regularly with split wood and never let it smolder.
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Never overload your stove or fireplace.
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Artificial logs contain paraffin which burns very hot. Do not burn more than one at a time.
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Inspect chimney regularly for creosote build-up.
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NEVER use fire starter like gasoline, kerosene, or similar fuels!
FIRE STARTING AND BURNING TIPS
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For easy burning of any size log ensure that the fireplace has a good hot bed of coals first.
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If no bed of coals, use 3 or 4 pieces of newspaper and lots of kindling (use the bark and splinters or split a smaller piece of wood into 1” and 2” sizes). Put another section of newspaper crumpled on top before lighting. (It’s important to get a good draft or drawing situation in the firebox and chimney flue) Turn the fresh air fan on low if you have one.
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Burn smaller pieces for 15 -20 minutes before adding large logs. For easier combustion criss-cross the logs when adding to the fire.
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Open all dampers and fresh air supply sources fully when starting the fire. If the fireplace has glass doors leave them open a crack to start. This assists the drawing action of the fire and reduces the tendency for the fire to deposit smoke and creosote on glass doors.
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Stoke the fire as needed.
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Remember if you adjust air inlets to achieve longer burn time, this type of fire can produce smoke and creosote.
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Do not leave the fireplace unattended when the doors are open.
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DO NOT CLOSE DOWN THE DAMPER COMPLETELY. Most systems require a substantial supply of air not only for combustion and heating purposes but for cooling the outer shell of the unit as well.