Select High Quality and Affordable Wood for Your Fireplace

Many people prefer using firewood to bring warmth into their home rather than other methods, such as central heating or propane. Electric heaters can also be used, but those are costly as well. It is of little surprise either when you consider the vast benefits associated with using firewood. Not only will you have a nice warm fire, but also your house will feel cozier and you will save a considerable amount of money on utility bills as well, especially if you have a wood burning stove.

Nevertheless, you will only experience these cost benefits f you choose your firewood with care. It is definitely not a case of any old wood will do! You need quality logs so that you have a stable fire and a good amount of heat, which will be the most effective at lowering your bills. Bearing this in mind, read on to discover the main points you must consider when shopping for high-quality firewood.

Make sure the logs are seasoned

There is only one place to begin, and this is with seasoned logs. Seasoned logs are those that have been dried out for a minimum of six months. This means they are a little older so they will burn easier.

Freshly cut logs are known as green logs, and they contain far too much moisture to be used for a fire. If you use green wood to warm your home, you will not only have trouble starting the fire and maintaining it, but you are generating a health hazard. After all, the moisture in the logs will cause far too much smoke, and the fire can be highly unstable.

 

 

Price

The next thing you should consider is the price of the firewood. It is important to locate a good deal if you want to heat your home for less money. After all, one of the main reasons for switching to firewood is to save some money on your heating cost. While prices vary by state and season, in general it may range from $50 to more than $100 a cord. But this varies widely…be sure to get several quotes from reputable dealers.

Nevertheless, never merely purchase firewood for the sole reason that it is the cheapest. Otherwise, you run the risk of buying poor quality wood or green wood, as indicated above. It is all about finding the right balance. If you can’t afford the firewood, then try LIHEAP for financial aid, as some states provide cash grants to pay for it.

Purchase from a reputable seller

There are many different companies and individuals who sell firewood nowadays. However, some are undoubtedly better than others. If you don't choose wisely, you could end up receiving a high bill or poor quality logs. There are a lot of people out there who try and cut corners by selling green logs, which, as mentioned, are dangerous and will not provide you with a good fire.

Do your research. When you find a company whose prices you are happy with, search them online to make sure they have a reputable name. Use google reviews and/or yelp. Check with the BBB. Ensure they have been in business for multiple years and they are not a fly by night operation.

If people have been unhappy with the wood that they received, you can bet your bottom dollar they will have taken to the Internet to warn people, so they don't make the same mistake.

Consider wood type to also save money

You also need to take into account the type of wood you are purchasing. Why? Well, some woods light better than others, some produce more smoke than others, and so on. Heavier woods are typically the best option to go for. This includes the likes of oak and hickory. The reason why they are recommended is that they offer much better value in terms of fuel per piece. They also last a lot longer and most people agree that they produce a better fire as well.

 

 

 

 

Quantity of firewood

Last but not least, the final thing you need to consider is how much firewood you are going to purchase. Think about the entire fall, spring, and winter heating seasons. This is something that will be determined based on how frequently you think you will need the fire and your storage capabilities.

Nevertheless, it is vital to acknowledge the fact that firewood is measured by the cord. This is the only official measurement given for such wood. One cord is the equivalent of 128 cubic feet. This is 4 Feet high x 4 Feet deep x 8 feet wide.

So there you have it: the complete guide to purchasing wood for your fire this winter. Follow the tips above and you can't go wrong, and probably save some money on your home heating costs.