Ash firewood is a popular choice for those who rely on wood-burning stoves or fireplaces for heat. It is known for its high heat output, minimal smoke production, and good quality coals. While other woods may have a higher heat output, ash is still an excellent option due to its other desirable qualities.
When considering firewood options, it is important to understand the difference between hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods, such as ash, oak, and hickory, are denser and produce more heat than softwoods like pine and spruce. Seasoning and moisture content are also important factors to consider when selecting firewood, as well as the BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which measures the amount of heat produced by a specific type of wood. In this article, we will explore the qualities of ash firewood and why it is a popular choice for those in need of reliable heat.
What is Ash Firewood?
Ash firewood is a popular type of firewood that comes from the ash tree. It is known for its high heat output and minimal smoke production, making it an excellent choice for heating and cooking. Ash firewood is a hardwood, which means it is denser and burns longer than softwoods like pine or cedar.
The heat output of ash firewood is impressive, with a rating of 24.2 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood. It produces good quality coals and is not too difficult to split when dry. Ash firewood also has a pleasant smell and a light brown color.
When it comes to density, ash firewood is considered medium to high density. This means that it will burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods. It is also easier to split than some other hardwoods like oak or hickory.
Ash firewood needs to be properly seasoned before use. This means it needs to be dried out to a moisture content of around 20% or less. This can take anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on the climate and storage conditions. Properly seasoned ash firewood will burn more efficiently and produce less smoke.
In terms of splitting, ash firewood is easier to split than some other hardwoods. This is because it has a straight grain and fewer knots than other hardwoods like oak or hickory. This makes it a good choice for those who want to split their own firewood.
Overall, ash firewood is an excellent choice for heating and cooking. Its high heat output, minimal smoke production, and pleasant smell make it a favorite among firewood enthusiasts.
Is Ash Good Firewood?
When it comes to choosing firewood, many homeowners wonder if ash is a good choice. Ash is a popular firewood choice due to its high heat output and ease of splitting. In this section, we will explore the qualities that make ash good firewood.
Heat Output and BTU Value
Ash firewood is known for its high heat output. It produces 24.2 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood, making it one of the best types of firewood to burn. For those who are unfamiliar, BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This high BTU value makes ash a great choice for heating homes, especially during the colder months.
Smoke Production and Creosote Build-up
One of the benefits of burning ash firewood is that it produces minimal smoke. This is ideal for those who are concerned about air pollution. Additionally, ash wood produces little creosote, which is a tar-like substance that can build up in chimneys and stovepipes. This can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and increase the risk of a chimney fire.
Ease of Splitting and Density
Ash is a hardwood that is known for its ease of splitting. It is not too difficult to split when dry, making it a popular choice for those who need to split their own firewood. Additionally, ash is a dense wood, which means that it burns hot and slow. This makes it a great choice for campfires, stoves, fireplaces, fire pits, and BBQs.
Uses and Versatility
Ash firewood is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a great choice for heating homes, but it can also be used for smoking meats. Ash wood imparts a mild, smoky flavor that is ideal for smoking meats like pork, chicken, and beef. Additionally, ash can be used for woodworking and making furniture.
In conclusion, ash is a good choice for firewood due to its high heat output, minimal smoke production, ease of splitting, and versatility. Homeowners who are looking for a reliable and efficient source of heat should consider using ash firewood.
Types of Ash Wood
Ash wood is a popular choice for firewood due to its high heat output, minimal smoke production, and ease of splitting when dry. There are three main types of ash wood: White Ash, Green Ash, and Black Ash.
White Ash
White Ash (Fraxinus americana) is a hardwood that is commonly used for tool handles, baseball bats, and furniture. It has a density of 41 pounds per cubic foot and a strength of 12,800 psi. White Ash firewood has a heat output of 24.2 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood and produces minimal smoke. It is easy to split when dry and produces good quality coals.
Green Ash
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a softwood that is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and tool handles. It has a density of 38 pounds per cubic foot and a strength of 9,300 psi. Green Ash firewood has a heat output of 22.4 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood and produces minimal smoke. It is easy to split when dry and produces good quality coals.
Black Ash
Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) is a hardwood that is commonly used for baskets, furniture, and canoe paddles. It has a density of 37 pounds per cubic foot and a strength of 11,600 psi. Black Ash firewood has a heat output of 22.0 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood and produces minimal smoke. It is easy to split when dry and produces good quality coals.
In general, ash wood is a popular choice for firewood due to its high heat output and ease of splitting. While there are differences in density and strength between the different types of ash wood, they all produce good quality coals and minimal smoke when burned.
Seasoning Ash Wood
When it comes to using ash wood as firewood, seasoning is a crucial step. Seasoning is the process of allowing the wood to dry out completely, reducing its moisture content to 20%. This helps the wood burn better, producing more heat and less smoke.
The seasoning process usually takes between six and 18 months, depending on the size and thickness of the logs. It’s important to identify seasoned wood before burning it. Look for logs with a dark color and cracked ends. The cracks should radiate from the center of the log like bicycle spokes.
One of the benefits of ash wood is its low moisture content. This makes it easier to dry and less likely to produce excessive smoke. When burning green firewood, the energy created by the fire is wasted on evaporating the wood’s moisture, leading to less heat.
To ensure the best quality firewood, it’s recommended to split the ash wood into smaller pieces before seasoning. This allows the wood to dry out more quickly and evenly. It’s also important to store the wood in a dry and well-ventilated area, protected from rain and snow.
In summary, seasoning ash wood is a crucial step to producing high-quality firewood. With its low moisture content and easy-to-split nature, ash wood is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient source of heat.
Burning Ash Wood
When it comes to burning firewood, ash wood is considered to be one of the best options available. Here are some reasons why:
High Heat Output
Ash wood has a high heat output, making it an ideal choice for heating homes and other spaces. According to Burly Beaver, ash firewood has a heat output of 24.2 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood. This means that it can produce a lot of heat, which can help keep your home warm and cozy during the colder months.
Minimal Smoke and Good Quality Coals
Another benefit of burning ash wood is that it produces minimal smoke, which can help reduce air pollution and keep your chimney cleaner. Additionally, ash wood produces good quality coals, which can help keep your fire burning for longer periods of time. According to Fire Safety Support, ash wood burns slowly, giving your wood stove time to burn all the way through.
Minimal Spark Production
Ash wood also produces minimal sparks, which can help reduce the risk of chimney fires. Sparks can easily ignite creosote buildup in chimneys, which can lead to dangerous fires. By burning ash wood, you can help reduce this risk and keep your home and family safe.
Overall, burning ash wood is a great option for those looking for a high-quality firewood. However, it is important to note that all fires come with some level of risk. It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher on hand and to properly maintain your chimney to reduce the risk of fires.