Why Estimating Your Winter Firewood Needs Matters
Burning firewood is one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home—but only if you're doing it right. At Humber Logs, we speak to customers every day who want to make the most of every log. In this guide, we’ll share simple, practical tips to help you get more heat, less smoke, and better value from your firewood.
Use Properly Seasoned / Kiln Dried Firewood
This is the single most important factor. Seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently than wet or freshly cut logs.
Why it matters:
Wet logs waste heat evaporating moisture
They create more smoke and soot
Poor combustion = less heat and more chimney build-up
How to check:
Logs should feel light and dry
Ends will show cracking and be darker in colour
Moisture content should be below 20%
All Humber Logs are kiln dried to ensure they’re ready to burn.
Mix Hardwood and Softwood for Efficiency
Each wood type has a role to play:
Softwood (like pine or spruce) lights quickly and gives you fast heat
Hardwood (like ash or oak) burns longer and hotter
Pro tip: Start your fire with softwood to get it going, then add hardwood for a sustained, powerful burn.
Store Your Logs Correctly
Even the best firewood won’t perform well if stored badly. Keep your logs:
Off the ground (use a pallet or raised base)
Covered from rain (log store, shed, tarp)
Stacked loosely to allow air to circulate
Avoid airtight storage, as logs still need to breathe even after delivery.
Don’t Overload the Stove
More logs doesn’t always mean more heat. Overloading your stove can:
Smother the flame
Reduce airflow
Cause incomplete combustion
Instead: Add a few logs at a time, keep airflow open, and let them burn cleanly.
Keep Your Stove Clean
A clean stove = better performance. Regularly:
Empty the ash tray (but leave a thin bed of ash for insulation)
Clean the glass for visibility and heat radiation
Check the chimney for soot or creosote build-up
Book a chimney sweep at least once per year to keep everything safe and efficient.
Burn Hot, Not Slow
Trying to "make your logs last" by smouldering at low temperatures might seem smart, but it’s actually wasteful. Low temperatures:
Reduce heat output
Create more smoke
Lead to more creosote in your flue
A hotter fire is a cleaner, more efficient fire.
Buy in Bulk & Plan Ahead
Buying in bulk:
Lowers the cost per cubic metre
Ensures you’re stocked for cold snaps
Gives you time to properly store and season any leftover logs
At Humber Logs, we offer free delivery across East Yorkshire and regular multi-bag offers—so you save more when you buy early.
Use Dry Kindling & Firelighters
Don’t waste your main firewood trying to get the fire started. Use dry kindling and eco firelighters to get your base burning before you add logs.
This saves you time, logs, and frustration.
Burn Smart, Stay Warm, Save Money
A few smart habits can transform your firewood experience—giving you more heat, cleaner burns, and better value for every bag. With seasoned logs from Humber Logs and a well-run stove, you can stay toasty all winter without burning through your wallet.
🔥 Ready to stock up? Contact Humber Logs today for quality logs at great prices with free delivery across East Yorkshire.
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