Ash vs Oak Firewood: Which is Better for Heating Your Home?
We try to explore the differences between ash and oak firewood, including factors such as BTU output, moisture content, ease of splitting, and availability in different regions of Ireland. It could also discuss the pros and cons of each type of wood for heating purposes.
If you’re in the market for firewood to heat your home, you may be wondering which type of wood is best: ash or oak. Both ash and oak are popular choices for heating homes, but there are some key differences between the two. In this post, we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of wood and help you determine which one might be better for heating your home.
Ash Firewood for Home Heating
Ash firewood is a popular choice for home heating in Ireland, including in Dublin and the surrounding areas. Finglas Fuels, an Irish company based in Dublin, offers both kiln-dried and seasoned ash firewood for delivery throughout the area. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using ash firewood for home heating:
Advantages:
- High BTU output: Ash is a hardwood with a high BTU (British thermal unit) output, which means it can produce a lot of heat.
- Low moisture content: Kiln-dried ash firewood has a low moisture content, which means it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
- Easy to split: Ash is a relatively easy wood to split, which makes it a good choice for people who want to split their own firewood.
Disadvantages:
- Availability: Ash trees have been affected by the emerald ash borer, a destructive insect that has killed many ash trees in Ireland and other parts of the world. This means that ash firewood may be harder to find and more expensive than it once was.
- Burns quickly: Ash is a hardwood, but it is not as dense as some other hardwoods, which means it burns more quickly and may need to be replenished more often.
Oak Firewood for Home Heating
Oak is another popular choice for home heating in Ireland, including in Dublin. Finglas Fuels offers both kiln-dried and seasoned oak firewood for delivery throughout the area. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using oak firewood for home heating:
Advantages:
- High BTU output: Oak is a dense hardwood with a high BTU output, which means it can produce a lot of heat.
- Long burning time: Oak burns more slowly than ash and other hardwoods, which means you may need to replenish the fire less often.
- Widely available: Oak is a common hardwood in Ireland and is widely available for firewood.
Disadvantages:
- Hard to split: Oak is a very dense wood and can be difficult to split, especially for people who are not experienced with splitting firewood.
- Higher moisture content: Oak firewood may have a higher moisture content than ash, especially if it is not kiln-dried. This can lead to more smoke and less efficient burning.
Which is Better for Home Heating: Ash or Oak?
Both ash and oak are good choices for home heating, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a hardwood with a high BTU output and low moisture content, ash may be the better choice. However, if you want a wood that burns more slowly and is widely available, oak may be a better option.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of wood is right for your home heating needs is to try both and see which one works best for you. Finglas Fuels offers both kiln-dried and seasoned ash and oak firewood for delivery throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas, so you can easily try both types of wood and make an informed decision.