What is better to heat a stove with wood or fuel briquettes, comparison. Fuel briquettes or firewood, which is better according to experts and ordinary people Which fuel briquettes to choose

Anti-advertising of firewood on the packaging of fuel briquettes - is it true?
We select equal weight portions of fuel briquettes and birch firewood.
We light both firewood and briquettes using newspapers and birch bark.

Wood briquettes are modern version fuel. It is produced from wood processing waste - compressed wood shavings and sawdust. Wood briquettes - environmentally friendly clean look fuel that does not contain any “chemical” additives. Bonding of particles occurs under high pressure due to lignin, a polymer contained in the wood itself. Fuel briquettes are conveniently packaged in plastic or carton boxes, take up little space during transportation and storage. Humidity of fuel briquettes at proper storage no more than 8-9%.

When burning briquettes, little ash is formed, they burn longer than wood, and produce more heat. That's what the advertisement says, anyway. Are there any disadvantages to fuel briquettes? Like everything good and convenient, there is only one drawback - the high price.

Let's compare prices for firewood and fuel briquettes

In retail, Ruf type fuel briquettes (in the form of bricks) cost approximately 70-75 rubles. for 10 kg, and they are sold wholesale for 6,000 rubles. per ton. Since the density of fuel briquettes is approximately 950 kg/m 3, we can assume that a cubic meter of fuel briquettes costs about 6,000 rubles. (we do not consider briquettes of other types, since their cost is significantly higher).

How to compare the cost of fuel briquettes with the cost of firewood?

As you know, firewood is most often sold in bulk or stacked. If you received stacked firewood on pallets, then a cubic meter of such firewood is equivalent to 0.7 cubic meters in terms of dense wood. If you were brought firewood in bulk in the back of a truck, then with a firewood length of 30-35 cm, the cubic meter will contain only 52% dense wood.

In other words, to compare the cost of bulk firewood for dense wood with the cost of fuel briquettes, the cost of firewood should be doubled.

So, let's compare prices. Bulk firewood in the Leningrad region costs 1,500-1,600 rubles. per cubic meter. In terms of dense wood, a cubic meter of firewood will cost 3,000-3,200 rubles. In neighboring areas, firewood can cost about one and a half times less. Thus, a cubic meter of Ruf type fuel briquettes costs the buyer, depending on the area, 2-3 times more expensive than firewood.

We decided to find out whether such a difference in price is worth the stated advertising advantages of fuel briquettes in the form of convenience, increased heat transfer and increased burning time of fuel briquettes. We conducted an amateur experiment, which, although it does not claim to be scientifically reliable, can clarify some aspects of the use of fuel briquettes instead of firewood.

How briquettes and firewood burn

We compared fuel briquettes made from hardwood sawdust with birch firewood, which is stored under a canopy on outdoors more than a year.

Equalizing the chances of firewood and fuel briquettes in our competition, we selected the amount of firewood equivalent to the mass of two fuel briquettes (approximately 2.2 g). Although this comparison is not entirely adequate: stale firewood can contain from 12% to 25% and even up to % moisture, while in fuel briquettes the moisture content rarely exceeds 8-9%.

For kindling, place fuel briquettes on paper and birch bark in the fireplace. We place firewood in exactly the same conditions: we melt it using paper and birch bark. Both firewood and fuel briquettes ignite and burn equally well.

Fuel briquettes burn slowly, the flame is small and ugly. Fuel briquettes burn much more vigorously if they are placed vertically. But if you need a beautiful flame in the fireplace, and you are not ready to burn the entire package at once, then fuel briquettes are still not for you.

With a small flame, little heat is generated - you can safely sit at a distance of 1 m from the fireplace.

But when wood burns, so much heat is released that I was forced to move away from the fireplace - it is simply impossible to sit closer than 2 m because of the heat.

The first hour has passed. The briquettes have not decreased much in volume and burn slowly. And the firewood had already been broken into coals, but small tongues of flame were still dancing on them. The time for complete (until the flames disappear) combustion of three birch logs weighing 2.2 kg is 1 hour (anti-advertising of firewood on the packaging of fuel briquettes stated that firewood burns out in 30 minutes, which is not true).

I had to break the briquettes into coals around the 90th minute of burning. The total combustion time of fuel briquettes is 2 hours exactly, which corresponds to the stated time on the packaging of the briquettes.

Both firewood and fuel briquettes ignite and burn equally well.

Birch firewood, as expected, burns with a large, beautiful flame. Fuel briquettes burn more slowly and give off heat less intensely.

The result of comparing the firebox with briquettes and firewood

Fuel briquettes actually burn longer than birch firewood, but the difference is not as great as stated in the description of the briquettes. But at the same time, the intensity of heat release when burning wood is incomparably greater. The amount of ash after briquettes actually remained less than after birch firewood, but not by several times, as stated, but by only 25-33%.

Thus, in my subjective opinion, a 2-3-fold increase in the price of fuel briquettes over birch firewood in the current price conditions with constant operation does not justify itself economically. Since inexpensive fuel briquettes do not produce a large flame, using them in fireplaces and fireplace stoves, which are installed, among other things, to obtain aesthetic pleasure from contemplating fire, does not make much sense.

At the same time, fuel briquettes have a number of undeniable advantages: They are compactly packaged, leaving little debris and less ash. A long burning time allows you to add fuel to the stove or fireplace less often. Although regular firewood is better suited for quickly warming up a cold house, fuel briquettes can be successfully used to maintain the required temperature in the house.

Since I come to the dacha in heating season when traveling, it’s easier for me to buy several packages of fuel briquettes at the supermarket than to buy a car of firewood for the season. In the cold season, in my house with an area of 120 m2, which is well insulated, it takes two packages of fuel briquettes (20 kg) to warm up on the first day, and to maintain the temperature in the following days - 1 package per day in light frosts and 1.5 -2 packs per day in severe frosts (subject to additional heating with several electric convectors).

Thus, each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing about them, everyone can choose for themselves optimal view fuel depending on the mode of operation of the house and personal preferences.

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Raw materials for briquettes
Types of briquettes
Fuel briquettes or firewood - which is better and more economical?
Combustion period
Selection rules

Most people only know about fuel briquettes that they can compete with traditional firewood or coal. What is solid fuel material modern style? What is really better: fuel briquettes or firewood?

Solid fuel, known as eurowood, is produced industrially, so each individual element is the same size and regular shape. Briquettes can be burned in solid fuel fireboxes of all types, including stoves, fireplaces and heating boilers.

In the production of heating briquettes, waste is used that is generated at woodworking industry enterprises. They are formed from the husks of cereal plants, straw or peat. To obtain required material, small particles are pressed under high pressure and drying them at high temperatures. This method allows you to completely abandon adhesives and other binding components. The densely formed mass does not emit toxic substances when burned, so the fuel is absolutely safe for people and animals.

The main advantages of the material and its disadvantages

The main advantage of pressed briquettes is high level heat transfer during combustion is almost twice as high as that of firewood. At a standard level of 20%, firewood provides 2500–2700 kcal/kg of heat, sawdust briquettes – 4500–4900 kcal/kg. The explanation is simple: heat transfer directly depends on the amount of moisture, and for Euro-firewood that has undergone thermal drying, it does not exceed 8%.

Briquette has higher density. For example, oak burns much longer than birch, since oak firewood per cubic centimeter contain more flammable substances (0.81 g/cm 3) than birch, which is why the burning time is increased. The density of a briquette is even higher and equals 0.95–1 g/cm3.

Among other advantages, it should be noted:

compact size for easy storage;
uniform combustion and high calorific value;
low soot emission due to low moisture content;
ecological purity of raw materials.

Wood fuel briquettes have disadvantages that are very conventional. Compressed firewood is more expensive than regular lumber, but you need to take into account the cost per unit of heat, which is clearly not in favor of regular firewood. Briquettes are afraid of moisture, which destroys their structure, but wood should not be stored in a humid environment. A significant drawback is that it is impossible to determine the quality and composition of fuel briquettes by eye.

Types of briquettes

There are several varieties of Euro firewood. This depends on the form and composition of the product. Manufacturers distinguish three main forms of products:

Pini-kay (pini-kay). Such Euro firewood has a maximum density (1.08–1.40 g/cm3). They are made in square or hexagonal briquettes with holes inside for air circulation and better combustion.
Nestro. They have a cylindrical shape and differ medium density(1–1.15 g/cm3).
Ruf (ruf). Such sawdust briquettes are produced in bricks of low density (0.75–0.8 g/cm3) and compact sizes.

Table 1: Prices for Euro firewood RUF and Pini Kay

Name	Cost, rub.	Calorific value, kcal/kg	Ash content, %
Eurodrova RUF	from 5500 – 7500
Pini Kay	from 7500 – 9500

In addition to differences in shape and density, Euro firewood differs in its constituent components, which directly affect the ash content, the amount of soot produced, calorific value and degree of combustion. For example, peat products cannot be used to heat home fires due to the high content of ash and harmful fractions in their composition. This material is intended exclusively for industrial needs. The table shows the types of fuel briquettes with comparative characteristics products from various raw materials. These tables are compiled on the basis of test reports obtained empirically.

Briquette material	Ash, %	Moisture, %	Highest calorie content, kcal/kg	Lowest calorie content, kcal/kg	Density, g/cm3
Straw	7,3	7,8	4740	3754	1,08
Sunflower seeds husk	3,6	2,7	5161	4480	1,15
Sunflower seeds husk	2,92	8,51	—	—	—
Tyrsa	0,7	7,5	4400	4200	1,37
Rice husk	20,2	7,1	3458	3161	1,16
Wood sawdust	0,8	4	—	—	—
	1,1	10,3	4341	3985	—
	1,16	4,1	5043	4502	0,79

Explanation of the table for each material

Seeds. Due to the low ash content and the content of vegetable oil with high energy value, the compressed material of this type shows the best calorific value (5151 kcal/kg), however, such samples emit more soot, which will lead to contamination of the chimney.
Wood. With a humidity of 4%, pressed sawdust takes an honorable second place in calorie content with an indicator of 5043 kcal/kg, only slightly inferior to the previous sample from seed husks. If the humidity of wood briquettes for heating increases to 10%, the calorific value drops to 4340 kcal/kg.
Straw. Straw briquettes are third in efficiency after seeds and wood, but have excellent heat transfer rates (4740 kcal/kg). The ash content is high.
Tyrsa (grass). Production based on use perennial plants. With a fairly low ash content, the heat transfer of the briquette is 4400 kcal/kg, which is very good.
Rice. High ash content and low heat transfer (3458 kcal/kg).

Two samples made from the same raw material may have different ash and moisture levels, as is the case with straw briquettes. Ash consists of mineral substances with low energy value, and if there is too much of them in the fuel, then it should not be expected to long burning and high heat transfer.

Different ash contents in briquettes with identical composition indicate different production processes and the original quality of the raw materials. If the manufacturer did not clean the straw from dust and dirt or deliberately added leaves to increase the volume finished products, then such fuel material at the output will be of low quality. And it doesn’t matter whether it contains wood, seed husks or tyrsa. The same applies to the humidity of the product, on which the heat transfer of Euro-firewood depends: the higher it is, the worse the room will be heated.

Briquettes or firewood: which is better and more economical?

In fuel, weight and price are not as important as the cost of a unit of heat - you can’t do without calculations. One cubic meter of firewood weighs on average about 550 kg. With the same volume, briquettes for heating stoves weigh a ton and cost more than three times more. It would seem that it is very profitable to heat a stove or fireplace with ordinary wood, because it costs much less, but this is not entirely true. A cubic meter of wood is less than briquettes in the amount of real fuel by almost half. If you estimate the watt of heat received from each of these samples, the difference will be pennies, which means that their efficiency is almost the same.

We must not forget about quality. If wood is too wet, it weighs more, but is less efficient. And storing large firewood requires a lot of space, not to mention the cost of delivery.

Combustion period

Most people living in villages know how to light a stove correctly. The burning time of any material, be it firewood, regular coal or a briquette, depends on the same factors: traction force and ignition method. If there is an excessive supply of air to the firebox due to untimely closing of the draft damper, the fuel will burn out very quickly. If you properly melt Eurowood, stacking it correctly in the stove and supplying a minimum of oxygen, then due to the low moisture content and high density, it will burn longer.

Selection rules

It is better to give preference to firewood in briquettes consisting of sawdust. They give off heat well, and this material burns for quite a long time.

Briquettes for stoves made from cereal husks have a good calorific value, but due to the oil content they quickly pollute the chimney with soot, which may require frequent cleaning. The same applies to resinous coniferous species wood, from which it is better not to buy fuel briquettes for a bathhouse, stove or fireplace.

When purchasing, it is advisable to look at the seller’s documents for the goods. They contain information about the test report data with detailed description product. Choose good wood material with maximum density.

If you plan to heat with briquettes and need a large batch of goods, take them for testing in small quantities. At home, you can check how hard the briquette is and whether it crumbles from excess moisture. Assess the heat so that you don’t have to regret a bad purchase in the future.

Fuel briquettes or firewood, which is better? Briquettes or firewood, which is more profitable? Many owners of private houses are interested in these questions. Advertising of fuel briquettes made from birch shavings and pine needles says that they supposedly have twice the heat transfer, they burn four times longer than ordinary birch firewood, they leave less soot, and they take up less space. Is it really? Then, perhaps, it is worth conducting an experiment and finally verifying the veracity or bias of these promises?

In general, it is worth saying that ideal solid fuel can not be. The use of wood, coal and various compressed wastes has its advantages and disadvantages, including financial ones. The task of every homeowner is to choose the most profitable option. What is better to heat: wood or briquettes?

Firewood is an old proven fuel. Wood is the oldest, environmentally friendly type of fuel. Of course, there are many types of logs, but birch firewood is the most popular.

Advantages of heating a room with birch wood

Their most famous and indisputable quality is that such firewood ignites very quickly and burns for a long time, they have high heat transfer.
They also do not “shoot” when burning, like, for example, coniferous wood.
These logs have a very pleasant aroma due to the presence of essential resins in the tree. They are characterized by a positive effect on the human upper respiratory tract, as they are distinguished by bactericidal and disinfecting properties. When these essential oils together with inhaled oxygen enter the human body, then it turns out beneficial influence to the nervous, circulatory and cardiovascular system. Therefore, if you are close to a fireplace in which birch logs are burning, you will feel relaxation, calmness, harmony and comfort.
Firewood is compact and relatively light in weight.
The cost of birch firewood from the North-West Firewood Company is low.

Cons of firewood

Perhaps the only disadvantage is the formation of soot by such firewood, because during combustion a resinous substance is released - tar, which pollutes the chimney and reduces draft. But if you clean it in time, this problem can be eliminated.

Advantages of heating briquettes

It is also worth mentioning this type of fuel as briquettes.

They are sold in compact packages.
They have a relatively light weight (about ten kilograms per package).
The price of briquettes is not high at all.

Disadvantages of this type of fuel

Compared to firewood, briquettes have little heat transfer. Quite low maximum heating temperature.
A ten-kilogram package is only enough to heat a small room for four hours.

Of course, it’s up to you to decide, but from a comparison of firewood and briquettes, it is obvious that birch firewood has more advantages than fuel briquettes. You have probably already decided for yourself what is better to heat the stove: with wood or briquettes. So make the right choice!

Not long ago, an alternative fuel for lighting stoves appeared - fuel briquettes, which are positioned as an analogue of conventional firewood, but with better calorific characteristics. In order not to be unfounded, we decided to compare the capabilities of wood and European firewood, evaluate their technical characteristics, nuances of use and determine whether fuel briquettes or firewood are better for the consumer, which is more profitable.

Comparing firewood and fuel briquettes

Heating with eurowood

I would like to immediately note that ordinary firewood and modern briquettes are a priori different types fuel, although their operating principle is identical. (Fuel briquettes are closer in nature to coal.) Ordinary firewood has been used for a very long time, but European firewood still has to prove its worth.

By the way, fuel briquettes received the original name “Eurofirewood” due to their similarity with classic firewood both in shape and technical characteristics.

Modern fuel briquettes are produced from food and natural waste. Wood (sawdust, shavings, wood dust, branches and even leaves), straw remaining after processing grain crops (wheat, rye, corn), husks and husks of seeds, nut shells, peat, and in rare cases even manure are actively used. When burning such materials, no emissions are released. harmful substances for humans and environment. No other ingredients are added to fuel briquettes.

Fuel briquettes from various materials

Carefully prepared and crushed raw materials are subjected to temperature pressing, during which excess moisture is removed, the material is held together, and becomes dense and strong. Depending on the type of production, all fuel briquettes can be divided into three classes:

Simplest - .
More advanced - Nestro fuel briquettes.
The most modern are Pini-Kay fuel briquettes.

These types of fuel briquettes differ in shape, final processing method (sometimes there is firing to give the final shape and protection from moisture), level of density, which largely depends on the shape of the briquette itself. The composition of Eurowood always remains the same, without adding third-party elements.

Why is Euro firewood so good? Let’s look at its main advantages:

Created by pressing using high temperature, eurowood has high density and low humidity. That is why the burning time of fuel briquettes is much longer than that of firewood. The level of heat transfer from briquettes is twice as high, which is explained by the same technical characteristics. Ordinary firewood, dried during the year, has a moisture content of about 20%, fresh wood 40-50%, and for fuel briquettes the same figure is 8-9%.
Made on professional equipment Having the correct shape and good packaging, fuel briquettes are more compact, convenient and easy to store. At the same time, as we have already said, they burn longer and give off more heat than firewood, which means the fuel supply may be smaller. Heating a house with fuel briquettes in Europe is considered a normal practice, moderately economical. In Russia, wood is traditionally used.

Fuel briquettes of the correct shape

Using fuel briquettes is extremely simple; the technology for burning them is no different from ordinary firewood. You could even say that they are safer to use since the level of fire and its operation can be controlled.
When storing firewood in the house there is always a lot of garbage, but the briquettes are tightly packed in cellophane and loaded into the oven entirely.
Eurowood burns with a stable fire, it does not spark or smoke, and the amount of smoke emitted can be called minimal. , you can regulate the intensity of fuel combustion. A small amount of smoke allows you to save on cleaning the chimney from soot, and also allows the use of such fuel in black baths.
After using fuel briquettes, very little ash remains, approximately 1% of the total volume of fuel. Unlike firewood, briquettes burn almost completely.
With proper skill and suitable equipment, it is possible. At first glance, the task seems impossible, but upon detailed analysis everything turns out to be very simple. In the future, such production will help significantly save the budget on fuel.

Simple cellophane packaging for fuel briquettes

Having considered the advantages of fuel briquettes, we move on to the disadvantages that also exist:

Having a high density, European firewood takes a long time to burn in the firebox. When studying whether it is better to heat a stove, with wood or briquettes, you should definitely pay attention to this. Alternative fuel cannot quickly start a fire; it is necessary suitable materials. Even a good, dense, dry briquette takes a few minutes to warm up.
When burning briquettes of some types, characteristic odors may be present. For example, the aroma of burning seed husks may not be to everyone's taste. The ash from Eurobriquettes smells absolutely disgusting, but despite this it is an excellent fertilizer.
Fuel briquettes are afraid of dampness, even if they are burned on the outside. A product packed in cellophane is not afraid of moisture, but after being removed from a vacuum package, the briquette becomes vulnerable. Due to humidity, Euro firewood crumbles and becomes unsuitable for use.
Mechanical impacts for Eurobriquettes are also unacceptable. Even when dry, you can break them, especially if they are of poor quality.
Fuel briquettes are not capable of creating a unique atmosphere of warmth, comfort and coziness that is inherent in firewood. They do not crackle, the fire from them is too simple, smoldering, and appearance leaves much to be desired, especially homemade options. From an aesthetic point of view, fuel briquettes are not suitable for use in a fireplace.

Burning briquettes in the furnace firebox

When choosing firewood or briquettes for heating your home, you should also analyze ordinary wood, at least for its merits.

Comparing firewood and fuel briquettes

Heating with eurowood

I would like to immediately note that ordinary firewood and modern briquettes are a priori different types of fuel, although their operating principle is identical. (Fuel briquettes are closer in nature to coal.) Ordinary firewood has been used for a very long time, but European firewood still has to prove its worth.

By the way, fuel briquettes received the original name “Eurofirewood” due to their similarity with classic firewood both in shape and technical characteristics.

Modern fuel briquettes are produced from food and natural waste. Wood (sawdust, shavings, wood dust, branches and even leaves), straw remaining after processing grain crops (wheat, rye, corn), husks and husks of seeds, nut shells, peat, and in rare cases even manure are actively used. When burning this kind of material, no harmful substances are released for humans and the environment. No other ingredients are added to fuel briquettes.

Fuel briquettes from various materials

The simplest one is Ruf fuel briquettes.
More advanced - Nestro fuel briquettes.
The most modern are Pini-Kay fuel briquettes.

Why is Euro firewood so good? Let’s look at its main advantages:

Created by pressing at high temperatures, Euro firewood has high density and low humidity. That is why the burning time of fuel briquettes is much longer than that of firewood. The level of heat transfer from briquettes is twice as high, which is explained by the same technical characteristics. Ordinary firewood, dried during the year, has a moisture content of about 20%, fresh wood 40-50%, and for fuel briquettes the same figure is 8-9%.
Made using professional equipment, having the correct shape and good packaging, fuel briquettes are more compact, convenient and easy to store. At the same time, as we have already said, they burn longer and give off more heat than firewood, which means the fuel supply may be smaller. Heating a house with fuel briquettes in Europe is considered a normal practice, moderately economical. In Russia, wood is traditionally used.

Fuel briquettes of the correct shape

Using fuel briquettes is extremely simple; the technology for burning them is no different from ordinary firewood. You could even say that they are safer to use since the level of fire and its operation can be controlled.
When storing firewood in the house there is always a lot of garbage, but the briquettes are tightly packed in cellophane and loaded into the oven entirely.
Eurowood burns with a stable fire, it does not spark or smoke, and the amount of smoke emitted can be called minimal. By loading briquettes into the oven in various ways, you can regulate the intensity of fuel combustion. A small amount of smoke allows you to save on cleaning the chimney from soot, and also allows the use of such fuel in black baths.
After using fuel briquettes, very little ash remains, approximately 1% of the total volume of fuel. Unlike firewood, briquettes burn almost completely.
With proper skill and suitable equipment, you can make fuel briquettes with your own hands. At first glance, the task seems impossible, but upon detailed analysis everything turns out to be very simple. In the future, such production will help significantly save the budget on fuel.

Simple cellophane packaging for fuel briquettes

Having considered the advantages of fuel briquettes, we move on to the disadvantages that also exist:

Having a high density, European firewood takes a long time to burn in the firebox. When studying whether it is better to heat a stove, with wood or briquettes, you should definitely pay attention to this. You can't start a fire quickly with alternative fuels; you need the right materials. Even a good, dense, dry briquette takes a few minutes to warm up.
When burning briquettes of some types, characteristic odors may be present. For example, the aroma of burning seed husks may not be to everyone's taste. The ash from Eurobriquettes smells absolutely disgusting, but despite this it is an excellent fertilizer.
Fuel briquettes are afraid of dampness, even if they are burned on the outside. A product packed in cellophane is not afraid of moisture, but after being removed from a vacuum package, the briquette becomes vulnerable. Due to humidity, Euro firewood crumbles and becomes unsuitable for use.
Mechanical impacts for Eurobriquettes are also unacceptable. Even when dry, you can break them, especially if they are of poor quality.
Fuel briquettes are not capable of creating a unique atmosphere of warmth, comfort and coziness that is inherent in firewood. They do not crackle, the fire from them is too simple, smoldering, and the appearance leaves much to be desired, especially homemade options. From an aesthetic point of view, fuel briquettes are not suitable for use in a fireplace.

Burning briquettes in the furnace firebox

When choosing firewood or briquettes for heating your home, you should also analyze ordinary wood, at least for its merits.

Heating with regular wood

Firewood has been used for heating for a very long time; it is a high-quality fuel for the home and bathhouse, barbecue and barbecue. The environmental friendliness of firewood will always be 100%, and this fuel has plenty of other advantages. Let us note the main advantages of firewood, without delving deeply into this topic:

First of all, I would like to say that the process of harvesting, drying and storing firewood is understandable to everyone. From an early age we know how to look for firewood, collect and light it.
Lighting wood is not difficult, even when it’s damp. Some tree varieties can burn in high humidity, giving off heat.
The cost of firewood is low, even if you do not go through the entire harvesting cycle, but buy ready-made logs or logs. (However, until the price comparison various types fuel will not claim which is more profitable.)
Don't be afraid of firewood mechanical damage and can be stored in a woodpile in completely different ways.
From an aesthetic point of view, the wood burns perfectly. They create a beautiful fire and soulful crackle, and when some varieties burn, a characteristic pleasant aroma appears. For open fireplaces, where the appearance of what is happening is important, this fuel is considered optimal.
Substances released during the combustion of wood have a beneficial effect on a person, they calm nervous system, heal the respiratory system.

Strategic forest reserve for winter

We will also highlight the disadvantages of natural fuel:

To obtain high heat transfer, the firewood should be well dried under natural conditions, which requires an extremely long time, for example, 1 or 2 years. The best firewood considered wood that has lain in a dry shed for a couple of years.
During long-term storage, wood loses some of its qualities, especially fragrant varieties of trees.
Firewood takes up a lot of space; for its normal storage in the required quantity, it is necessary to build an appropriate structure.
When using firewood, a lot of debris always appears (chips, bark, wood dust, sawdust).

Having become acquainted with the main capabilities of the two types of fuel, let's make a comparison.

What is more profitable to use?

It’s best to start the comparison with the price of fuel, because that’s what worries us the most. If we take average figures, then 1 cubic meter of fuel briquettes costs about 2 times more than ordinary firewood. As we know, fuel briquettes can be created from different materials, but the price of firewood greatly depends on the type of wood. If you choose the most expensive fuel briquettes and the cheapest wood, the cost can vary by 3 times.

Note that most often there are two types of quality products on the market. High-quality briquettes are denser without cracks or chips, often burned on the outside. Less high-quality briquettes have lower density; they are characterized by a multi-layer structure, which is slightly vulnerable to damage. Such briquettes burn faster and release less energy.

Popular fuel for stoves in homes and baths

Let's compare the performance indicators:

How long do fuel briquettes burn - usually 2 hours, while simple firewood about an hour.
The heat transfer from fuel briquettes is noticeably higher, since the fire in the stove is stable throughout the entire burning time. Firewood usually flares up quickly and gives off maximum heat immediately, and then gradually fades out.
After using firewood, a lot of coals and ash appear in the firebox, while practically nothing remains of Eurowood.

The main task of fuel briquettes is heating. They're burning for a long time, emit a lot of heat, and at the same time do not take up much space in the house, do not litter, and are also environmentally friendly and safe to use like ordinary firewood. At the same time, they do not create a full-fledged atmosphere of comfort, do not crackle and often emit more unpleasant aroma when burning. It is not for nothing that their name contains the prefix “euro”; this type of fuel was created primarily to save on heating.

If you use fuel briquettes for heating a house, then such a replacement of firewood for the stove is quite relevant, but for lighting a bathhouse, such a choice will not always be justified. As well as for a fireplace, the task of which is not only to heat the house, but also to create an appropriate ambience, which a firewood substitute clearly cannot cope with.

To evaluate the effectiveness of fuel briquettes in each specific case, experiments should be carried out; too many factors influence their operation. Only after you are convinced of the merits of this alternative type of fuel can you give it any assessment.

IN Lately there are a lot of positive feedback, indicating that it is more profitable to heat a house with European wood than with ordinary wood. We attribute this to the growing popularity of alternative fuels.