Which firewood is best for heating: an expert names optimal types of wood

As the cold weather approaches, thousands of Ukrainian families are preparing for the heating season.

Despite the development of alternative heating sources, a significant portion of Ukrainians continues to heat their homes with solid fuel. Sergiy Chaykin, the owner of Koloda.ua, explained which wood is most effective for various types of heating devices.

The expert divides all types of wood into three categories based on density:

• Hardwoods: oak, hornbeam, ash, acacia
• Medium density: birch, alder
• Softwoods: pine

'In technical terms, you can burn any type of wood, but the economic efficiency varies significantly. Hardwoods are the optimal choice for constant heating. They maintain combustion for a long time, give off maximum heat, and do not require frequent replenishment,' explains Chaykin.

Softwoods tend to be cheaper, which attracts those looking to save money. However, they will need to be used in greater quantities – pine burns out faster and requires constant attention to the fire to maintain stable temperature.

For stoves, especially those with old or narrow chimneys, birch and pine are not the best options. These types of wood actively create soot on the walls of the chimney, which over time worsens draft and may lead to ignition problems.

The optimal solution is oak, hornbeam, or ash. This firewood provides long, even burning with minimal residue formation.

What is suitable for a stove

Stoves are usually used for short-term heating of small spaces – garages, workshops, storerooms.

'For quick heating for one or two hours, pine is quite suitable. It catches fire easily and instantly raises the temperature in the room. However, for long-lasting heating, it is better to use hardwoods,' advises the expert.

Choosing firewood for a fireplace

Pine is dangerous for open fireplaces – while burning, it cracks intensely, ejecting sparks and hot embers, which can cause a fire.

In closed fireplaces with glass doors, birch is not recommended – it leaves a persistent black residue on the glass from soot.

The ideal option is alder or hardwoods. Alder is often referred to as 'royal firewood' due to its aesthetic qualities: even logs without knots, golden hue, absence of smoke while burning, and attractive appearance in the woodpile.

The optimal choice for a boiler

For solid-fuel boilers that provide heating for the entire house, the undisputed leader is oak. This wood guarantees the longest combustion and stable heat output.

'The boiler must operate continuously for a long time, so hardwoods are unmatched here. Oak is a bestseller in this category,' emphasizes Chaykin.

Dangerous materials: what to avoid

It is categorically forbidden to use the following materials for heating residential premises:

• Construction waste
• Wood treated with varnish
• Materials with chemical coatings
• Painted boards

When burned, such materials release toxic substances that are hazardous to health.

The expert concluded that hardwoods are a universal solution for any type of heating equipment. There are certain restrictions for other types of wood that are important to consider for safety and heating efficiency.'

The expert's advice regarding the selection of wood for heating is extremely useful, as it helps to use solid fuel effectively for various types of heating devices, ensuring safety and heating efficiency. This material will help many families cope with heat and save warmth during the cold season.