Solid fuel for a stove or boiler

Solid fuel has been a tried-and-true method for centuries of keeping our homes warm and comfortable during the winter. For a conventional stove or a contemporary boiler, solid fuel provides a dependable heat source that many homeowners find desirable. This article will go over the ins and outs of using solid fuel for heating, going over its advantages, things to think about, and practical usage advice.

A solid fuel is any material that can be burned to produce heat, such as wood, coal, and peat. Solid fuel’s affordability and accessibility are among its main benefits, especially in places where other heating options might be scarce or costly. Furthermore, because many types of solid fuel can be obtained locally or harvested sustainably, solid fuel is frequently seen as a more environmentally friendly option than fossil fuels.

It’s crucial for homeowners thinking about using solid fuel for heating to comprehend the various options and their unique qualities. For instance, wood is a popular option because of its affordable price, pleasant scent, and comparatively low emissions when compared to other fossil fuels. In contrast, coal tends to burn more efficiently and produce more heat, which makes it a good choice for prolonged warmth.

Prior to purchasing a solid fuel heating system, homeowners ought to take into account various aspects like storage capacity, upkeep needs, and regional laws. Ample, dry, and well-ventilated space is needed for the storage of solid fuel in order to avoid moisture buildup, which can reduce the fuel’s efficiency of combustion. To guarantee safe and effective operation, routine maintenance is necessary. This includes cleaning the chimney and inspecting the stove or boiler.

There are a few guidelines to follow when heating with solid fuel in order to optimize its effectiveness and reduce its environmental impact. For example, properly seasoned wood emits more heat and burns cleaner than green or wet wood. Similar to this, you can lower emissions and boost efficiency by combining different fuels or equipping your stove or boiler with a secondary combustion system.

In the realm of heating and insulation for homes, the choice of solid fuel for stoves or boilers holds significant importance. Solid fuels, ranging from wood to pellets, offer a traditional yet reliable option for heating. Their use can provide warmth and comfort while also potentially reducing energy costs. However, selecting the right type of solid fuel is crucial to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly heating. Factors such as availability, cost, environmental impact, and appliance compatibility should be carefully considered. Additionally, proper storage and handling of solid fuels are essential to maximize their efficiency and safety. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of various solid fuels, homeowners can make informed decisions to effectively heat their homes while minimizing their environmental footprint.

The most popular solid fuel is firewood

General properties of firewood

It’s likely not quite accurate to use the word "ordinary" in this context. The "abilities" and ease of use of firewood can vary greatly, it is a fact. Additionally, a number of variables come into play, such as the type of wood, the state of the workpiece, and storage. It would therefore be more accurate to state that this is the fuel that Russian homeowners are most familiar with.

The operational characteristics of different types of firewood can vary greatly.

But first, a word about how owners of boilers and stoves are particularly drawn to firewood.

TO advantages The following are reasons to consider this kind of solid fuel:

• First of all, this is the availability in most regions of Russia. Of course, not everywhere they are the same in price and in the proposed wood species. But basically, this type of fuel becomes the cheapest, and in some places-almost “Darmov”.
• In the fair opinion of most homeowners, no other type of fuel is able to create such a comfortable, cozy atmosphere in the house as natural wood. This is a characteristic smell, and the usual pacifying crackling, and the very type of burning logs.

It’s a widely held belief that no other solid fuel can produce the same comfortable home atmosphere.

• For centuries have been used by firewood, and this is the experience gained by our ancestors. In any case, from such fuel you know what can be expected, “surprises” are not expected.
• Durability – firewood can be stored in the open air for a long time (within certain reasonable limits, of course), without losing their qualities. Even signs of biological lesion of wood (the appearance of blue, mold, etc.P.) nevertheless leave firewood in the category of quite suitable for use.
• Frequency waste (ash and ashes) do not have unpleasant odors, they are easily removed from the furnace or boiler.
• Most modern boilers and furnaces presented on sale are designed to use firewood – this is, in fact, universal fuel for such equipment. Many of these devices have a special design of prolonged burning, which to the maximum extent uses the energy potential of burning wood.

Naturally, fires have drawbacks of their own that you will have to deal with in one way or another:

• First of all, this, of course, is volume. Even the “operational” supply of firewood takes up a lot of space, not to mention the reserve for the entire heating period or with the calculation of several winters.
• The second follows from here – it is necessary to create very spacious places of storage of firewood in compliance with certain conditions so that the wood does not water.

One of the biggest issues is having to arrange for the safe storage of enormous firewood inventories, along with all the associated challenges.

• Incorrect forms of firewood significantly complicate their compact storage.
• Like it or not, but in its heat -intensive ability, pure wood is still inferior to many other types of solid fuel.
• High speed of combustion. In addition, in ordinary solid -fuel furnaces or boilers, it is difficult to achieve uniformity of burning wood. There is a clear difference in the phases of combustion and heat transfer – a rather “lazy” ignition, then a rapid burning with maximum heat transfer, and then the fading phase begins. These negative features are quite successfully smoothed out in prolonged combustion units working on the principle of burning pyrolysis gases.
• The combustion of firewood is accompanied by a large amount of smoke, and not burnt solid waste can be up to 15% of the primary laying volume.
• The wood itself is harmless. But if it began to be affected by a fungus or mold, then during combustion, the release of very toxic components is not excluded. This can create a certain threat to the health of households.
• The use of firewood as a fuel requires certain physical efforts (stain, storage, carrying, loading, etc.P.). For people with disabilities, this sometimes becomes a big problem.

As you can see, while the drawbacks are considerable, they are not greater than the benefits. And firewood is still one of the most widely used fuel types in our nation, in any case.

What wood wood is better?

It has previously been stated that there are considerable variations in the functional characteristics of firewood made from various types of wood. It makes sense to take a quick look at the most prevalent kinds.

Initially, the distinction can be identified in the boundary potential of a specific type of wood. In layman’s terms, this is the quantity of heat released (in weight or voluminous equivalent) when the fuel’s measurement unit burns. This quantity is also known as specific heat or calorie content.

The approximate specific heat of wood from different breeds is displayed in the table below. Here, a brief explanation is in order. This quantity can be expressed in Joules, or kilocalories per kilogram. However, it makes sense to convert the "calorie" fuel to these units of measurement right away because we are more used to hearing the power of heating units expressed in kilowatts.

The rock of wood	The average heat of dry firewood by mass (kWh/kg)	The average heat of dry firewood in warehouse volume, kWh/m³	The same is for wet wood (not a minimum of a year of drying)
Beech	4.2	2200	1930
Oak	4.2	2100	1850
Ash	4.2	2100	1850
Rowan	4.2	2100	1850
Birch	4.3	1900	1670
Elm	4.1	1900	1670
Maple	4.1	1900	1670
Aspen	4.1	1750	1400
Alder	4.1	1500	1300
IVO (verba)	4.1	1400	1230
Poplar	4.1	1400	1230
Pine	4.4	1700	1500
Larch	4.4	1700	1500
Fir	4.4	1600	1400
Spruce	4.3	1400	1200

Now, let’s take a quick look at wood breeds.

Firewood firewood

Since everything can be briefly explained here, let’s start with them. It is best to ignore their coniferous wood firewood when it comes to the quality of fuel for the stove or boiler in the scrap heating system.

Coniferous firewood is by no means the ideal choice for the home’s heating system.

Based on the table, it appears that they have a higher energy potential than the majority of deciduous rocks. However, the adjacent column illustrates how much they already lose as a result of their low density in terms of cubic meters. In other words, a large amount of firewood is required to keep the house warm.

Furthermore, essential oils and tar are abundant in all coniferous wood. Due to their high combustibility, these materials burn much more quickly than deciduous firewood, which is also very costly to lay. Furthermore, a significant quantity of smoke with a high concentration of viscous products is also determined by resinity. This causes the chimney pipe and furnace’s internal channels to overgrow extremely quickly.

Therefore, if there is no other way to obtain firewood, coniferous wood can be used for heating purposes alone. Another area where coniferous logs are perfect is the bathhouse, where their high resin and essential oil content helps to create a distinctive bathing experience.

Firewood

• The most popular, perhaps, are considered Birch wood. They are relatively inexpensive, as this tree in abundance grows in most regions of the country. But not only accessibility makes such fuel widely in demand.

Without a doubt, birch firewood ranks among the most widely used

Not insignificantly, the burning of birch wood releases a unique scent that has some medicinal properties. It makes sense why the birch heat of old battled respiratory disorders and colds.

Naturally occurring tar, a hydrocarbon compound, coats birch wood, increasing the firewood’s capacity to transfer heat when it burns. Additionally, birch ranks among the most accessible rocks in general based on its precise caloric content.

The fragility of such firewood is one of the major drawbacks. Prolonged storage does not help them; firewood starts to lose its quality two or three years after it is harvested. Indicators of heat transfer drop precipitously, and there is rotting. Fuel reserves need to be organized with this in mind because it will require "rotation" all the time.

• One of the most effective for heating are Oak firewood. The wood is very dense, with high heat transfer rates. Therefore, and very economical in spending. This slightly smooths out a very high price of such fuel.

The "elite" are responsible for oak fires, which are extremely expensive for many homeowners.

Lasting oak wood has a pleasant, slightly tart aroma that is said to have therapeutic qualities. Additionally, they typically have few rivals in the generated heat.

By the way, oak wood is the only wood used to prepare traditional Italian pizza. Yes, and a lot of homeowners stockpile these logs especially for cooking on the grill or in the barbecue stove.

If oak wood is to be obtained, it is best if it comes from trees that are in the middle of their life. The old trees, sadly, are starting to waste her. The too subtle ones have not yet absorbed the energy of nature.

• If it is possible to purchase alder firewood – This is a very good option. The advantages of such fuel – a lot.

Alder firewood differs from other types of firewood in that it is characterized by a unique color on the wood slice, ranging from yellow to ocher to blatant red. The type of alder that grows—more than two dozen—determines the saturation of the shade in the main.

Olkhovy firewood is an excellent way to heat a home. Because of the unusual color of the wood, it is difficult to confuse them with others.

The unpretentiousness of alder wood in drying conditions is a very useful quality. Without taking in extra moisture from the environment, wood actively expels moisture on its own.

Alder firewood retains its aromatic qualities for three years following harvest. This quality eventually vanishes in the future, but it is not noticeable when firewood is present. They may also be kept in storage for a very long period.

High heat transfer means that this fuel produces very little smoke. For this reason, by the way, the alder firewood was used to fling the baths "in black." Another noteworthy feature is that alder combustion products work wonders at clearing soot buildup from chimneys. It is therefore advised to have a stock of this kind of firewood for sporadic preventive use.

• Osina firewood have some qualities that are similar to alder logs, for example, the ability to loosen soot growths in a chimney pipe and let not give smoke and soot during burning. But otherwise they lose significantly.

Osin firewood has a low heating efficiency when used for heating.

The wood is loose, so too much will be needed to get the right return on it. As a result, aspen firewood works extremely well to start aspen fires and clean the chimney when it is used for other, denser firewood.

• Fly firewood have a good healing effect, therefore they are often used in baths, especially in a "duet" with honey decoctions. But this wood is very difficult and for a long time to get fat, however, followed by active burning and high heat transfer.

Although fly firewood ignites very slowly, it transfers heat fairly well.

Although everything appears to be insignificant, it is obvious that this firewood is not the most durable. Usually, it takes them two years to lose their virtues.

• Poplar and willow firewood It is fashionable to boldly take the second -rate fuel. They burn very quickly, without giving the expected heat. That is, you will need too much number of them to achieve the desired heating of the stove or boiler.

To put it another way, their use is only warranted in situations where there is absolutely no other option.

• Fruit tree firewood – as a rule, it is a very high -quality dense fuel with high heat transfer. But only their workpiece in the scale of heating anyway for the needs of heating is a problematic thing. Unless a large -scale cutting of the fruit garden is carried out in close proximity.

Firewood made from fruit wood is typically of the highest caliber. Where to prepare it so that it merits the scale’s attention is the only question.

The availability of such firewood will, naturally, not cause any problems for anyone. It’s probably best to avoid thinking of smokehouses, grills, and barbecues.

We conclude the discussion of firewood and make a few additional suggestions.

• The quality of firewood always very much depends not only on the wood breed, but also on the degree of drying. Fresh firewood should not be used – from them there will be a lot of smoke and soot with a much smaller than expected heat transfer. The table above clearly shows this difference.
• The highest quality fuel is obtained from trees, dumped in winter, in the trunks there is practically no sap flow. Such firewood quickly dry and have the maximum energy potential. At the same time, the sawn -down logs in front of the knuckle and laying in wooders should be well crawled out and ventilated for four to six months.
• Firewood from the trees dumped in spring or summer by the beginning of the heating season, as a rule, are not ready. That is, these are already reserves at least next year.

We won’t go into detail about firewood storage conditions here because that is a whole "science" that needs to be discussed elsewhere. And our portal will soon publish such an article.

I think you would be interested in learning more about the features that wood stoves offer.

Other types of solid fuel for stoves and boilers

This category comprises coal and peat, which are natural fossils, as well as fuel briquettes and pellets manufactured from wood waste.

Observe them chronologically.

Fuel briquettes and pellets

There are still a lot of tiny waste products in every woodworking production, such as sawdust, chips, removed bark, etc. It was pointless to burn tons of this perfectly good raw material once their use started to pose even a serious issue. With time, technologies have been developed to turn this kind of waste into firewood substitutes.

• Fuel wood briquettes for a long time have been used in foreign. In our area, the attitude towards them was at first a wary, but now many homeowners are already considering them as the main type of fuel for their heating equipment.

These briquettes come in a number of varieties and are offered for sale.

Incredibly practical for loading into the firebox, storing, and transporting RUF briquettes, which have a clean, distinctive shape. They might be linked to the most well-liked of the present day.

Very convenient and highly operating indicators Fuel briquettes RUF.

Crushed wood sawdust is the only unnecessary item they contain. In production, no binders are utilized. Lignin, a naturally occurring adhesive component of cellulose, is activated during the pressing process. Briquettes do not crumble, perfectly "keeping shape," and produce very little waste when they burn.

Video: how to choose the right fuel bricket type Ruf?

Similar to the traditional briquette forms, sometimes referred to as "euroders." Numerous businesses are involved in their production; one such example is the popular Pini Kay brand.

Briquettes are made to resemble cylinders but still have a "cut" from the pencil type; this makes them easier to store and prevents them from "spattering" across the floor. The burning area is increased by the through channel located in the center.

"Pini Kay" fuel briquettes made from pressed wood waste, or "Evodrova" as they are more commonly known.

These briquettes are subjected to a unique surface heat treatment that completely protects them from water contact.

TO benefits The following can be credibly linked to wood fuel briquettes:

– an equal heat transfer cycle with a good duration of uniform combustion (more than ordinary firewood).

The solid waste in the combustion chamber does not surpass 1.3 percent of the total fuel volume, and the briquettes burn almost completely. For the record, ash makes excellent personal plot fertilizer.

– Very little cloud of smoke. Furthermore, smoke essentially smells nothing. Such fuel generally falls into the category of harm that does not harm the environment because it does not contain any third-party components.

The ease of storage and transportation. By the way, briquettes essentially leave no trash behind at the location of their storage.

TO drawbacks We consider the following:

Briquettes are reasonably priced, but some owners have different opinions because they are used to having firewood or because they can get it for practically nothing.

Briquettes provide less heat in the bath than solid firewood because they are low in fuel content.

– They lament that they are unable to create the cozy, "living" environment that a wood furnace produces.

– When using them, we require a certain dexterity. You frequently need to use specific flammable liquids for ignition.

If storage guidelines are not followed, they may eventually deteriorate and lose their strength.

• Pellets – These are, in fact, pressed briquettes, only miniature sizes. In their production, crushed wood waste is passed through a special matrix-extruder, and “sausages” are obtained at the output- cylinders with a diameter of 6 ÷ 10 mm and a length of 10 ÷ 40 mm. No binders – pressing is ensured again due to the presence of lignin.

After drying, pre-made pellets are placed in moisture-permeable bags and sold in this state.

All the benefits and drawbacks that come with fuel briquettes should, in theory, also apply to pellets. However, there is a quirk: due to a particular tiny granular shape, they aren’t suitable for every boiler or stove. Alternatively, you may need to upgrade the current unit or purchase a better model.

On the other hand, contemporary pellet boilers come with an automated fuel delivery system into the combustion chamber as well as a loading bunker. Furthermore, this implies that frequent downloads are no longer necessary, making interference with the operation of heating equipment less common.

Pellets are automatically supplied from the hopper to the combustion chamber of a heating boiler.

The use of pellets is growing in acceptance. As evidence of this, it’s possible that skilled artisans have already mastered the autonomous production of pellet-making equipment for use at home. Look for someone who can provide free access to waste from woodworking!

Boilers Pootelet

Pellet boilers

Coal as solid fuel

The hotel article should contain information on this solid fuel type’s classification and qualities, and it will be incorporated into the next work plan. Just a few elements of coal use in solid fuel boilers and furnaces are discussed at this time.

Firstly, this fuel is still not available everywhere. To put it another way, not every unit can be used. That is to say, you should confirm once more that the possibility of using coal as the primary energy source is specifically approved in the device’s passport before considering this option.

The entirety of the problem lies in the characteristics of this fuel, which include a highly significant amount of non-combustible waste (slag), which can occasionally account for 45% of the load volume, an unstable chemical composition of various brands, difficulty starting, and high heat transfer.

Anthracite, brown coal, and stone of different subspecies are the three types of coal used as fuel.

• Brown coal is the most “young” from a geological point of view. His heat -intensive ability is small, the slag gives a lot, so they usually do not even seriously consider it. In addition, its transportation and storage is a very risky business, since biochemical processes have not yet subsided, and under certain conditions (increased humidity), the processes of the debate that turn into decay and spontaneous combustion cannot be excluded.
• Coal is most often used. He has a very complex classification, but it can be noted that long -placed stamps (DPP) are well suited for stoves or boilers). Lowing coals have lower heat transfer and a larger ash residue, and their use is less profitable. Up to 45% slag remains from skinny coals, and they are difficult to ignite. But the low price and pretty good heat transfer still makes them in demand for boilers with pronounced good traction.

In the coal coal long-flavored DPP large fraction illustration

• The highest heating rates – in anthracite. He is also characterized by a minimum amount of slag, low smoke formation. But he does not find wide use in household heating systems, and, interestingly, precisely because of his main advantage.

Because of the severe limitations on the use of home heating systems in boilers and furnaces, anthracite has the highest heat performance indicators.

The fact remains that anthracite can only be used in boiler or furnace models where it is specifically specified. Not every unit can withstand the high anthracite combustion temperatures; careless actions can easily "kill" pricey equipment. The "second side of the coin" is that the possibility of using all of this coal’s energy potential was only considered in these unique heating units. If not, using it becomes unprofitable and the boiler’s or furnace’s efficiency drastically decreases.

We also include a sign at the end of the section that shows the heat-effectiveness indicators of different solid fuel firewood types. Peat briquettes are still indicated. However, the indicators show that there is very little energy transfer from them, which is even worse than with brown coal. Furthermore, if there is another solid fuel option available, it is improbable that using them to heat the house makes sense.

Type of solid fuel	The average heat of the toliv by mass (kWh/kg)	The average heat of fuel in warehouse measures (kW/t)
Anthracite	8.1	8100
Charcoal	8.6	8600
Coal	6.2	6200
Brown coal	4.2	4200
Fuel briquettes, pellets	5.6	5600
Peat briquettes	3.4	3400

How to calculate how much solid fuel must be in stock?

It goes without saying that every owner of a solid-fuel heating system wants to know how much firewood—coal or briquettes—he will need to get through the winter. Naturally, this lends itself to approximations, but it’s still dependable enough on the "heating company" scale.

To make the reader’s job easier, we won’t provide formulas; instead, we’ll encourage him to use the online calculator’s features, which already have the needed calculation algorithm in place. Additionally, the necessary justifications for the calculation’s execution will be provided beneath the calculator.

Calculator calculation of the average consumption of solid fuel for heating

Explanations on the implementation of calculations

• The initial value for calculating is that thermal power of the formula that needs to be spent on full heating of the house. An important nuance is not the maximum thermal power of the furnace or boiler, prescribed in the passport, since it is usually overestimated – the model is acquired with a very significant operational margin.

However, the quantity of thermal energy is what interests us, and this necessitates knowing the details of the heated areas and the entire house. We won’t reiterate how to find it because it is covered in great detail in our portal’s special publication.

You might be curious to know what a solid fuel boiler’s buffer container is. How can one determine whether the interior of a house or apartment needs to be heated? The reader is presented with an algorithm that takes into account various specific factors that affect the heating power, in addition to the premises’ area. Complete each step on your own. Heating calculation A special article that explains and explains each action in detail will be helpful to any reader.

• Any solid fuel heating unit part of the generated heat loses. These losses are characterized by a utility coefficient, which is necessarily indicated in the passport of the device.
• Next, you should choose the calculation direction – whether it is carried out for firewood, or for other types of solid fuel. Depending on the selected path, additional data entry fields open.

If firewood is chosen, it is chosen from the wood rock’s drop-down list, after which the firewood’s level of drying is indicated.

When selecting an alternative fuel type, a list field will open; choose your preferred option.

• After clicking on the calculation button, the desired result will appear. For convenience, it is shown for daily, weekly and monthly consumption.

A small correction: if the firewood calculation was chosen, cubic meters will be the unit of measurement for the given value. The result is meant to be expressed in tons for all other types of solid fuel. In the calculator, appropriate tips are given.

It should be clearly understood that there is still a significant loss in accuracy with these kinds of calculations. The computation is done under the least favorable circumstances, which is the banal explanation. In the meantime, winter frosts are typically mild, strong colds don’t last as long, and thaws frequently replace them. In any event, this means that consumption ought to be marginally reduced.

It’s alright, everything happens, the supply is always helpful. After a few years of operation, the owners will know exactly what and how much fuel they need to get ready for the season, so they won’t need to do any calculations at all.

We wrap up the piece with some entertaining videos that contrast fuel briquettes and firewood in terms of benefits and drawbacks. Check out the website for high bimetallic radiators.

Types of Solid Fuel	Description
Wood	Common and renewable, burns cleanly but requires regular chopping and storage.
Coal	Produces high heat output, but can be dirty and requires regular cleaning of stove or boiler.
Peat	Natural fuel with a slow burn, releases a distinctive aroma, but can be difficult to source.

The choice of fuel for your boiler or stove can have a big impact on the environmental impact and heating efficiency of your house. Every kind of solid fuel has pros and cons of its own, whether you choose wood, coal, pellets, or other biomass materials.

Wood is still a popular option for many homeowners because of its accessibility, affordability, and the warm atmosphere it produces when it burns. To optimize heat output and reduce harmful emissions, it is imperative to make sure the wood you use is properly seasoned. Furthermore, you can improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of your heating system by purchasing a contemporary, high-performing wood stove or boiler.

Even though it’s not as widely used as it once was, coal is still a powerful and dependable heating fuel. Because of its high energy density, it can generate a substantial amount of heat, which makes it appropriate for homes in colder climates or those with higher heating needs. The environmental effects of burning coal must be taken into account, though, since this fuel tends to release more pollutants than other solid fuels.

Recent years have seen a rise in the use of pellets as a practical and green substitute for conventional solid fuels. Pellets, which are produced from wood chips, compressed sawdust, or agricultural residues, are known for their reliable quality and effective combustion, which lowers emissions and increases heating efficiency. Furthermore, heating your home sustainably is now simpler than ever thanks to automated pellet stoves and boilers.

Whichever kind of solid fuel you select, efficient handling and storage are crucial for maintaining both safety and effectiveness. Fuel can be kept dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture and deterioration and to retain its heating value. Furthermore, routine cleaning and inspections of your heating appliance can increase its longevity and avert potential risks.

In conclusion, choosing the best solid fuel for your boiler or stove requires considering a number of variables, such as availability, cost, impact on the environment, and personal preferences. You can have a warm, cozy home and reduce your carbon footprint by learning about the qualities of various fuels and making an investment in contemporary, energy-efficient heating equipment.

Video on the topic

What types of solid fuel are best used to kindle the furnace