Firewood: Get The Best Burn For Your Money
Homeowners with wood burning stoves or fireplaces looking to offset heating costs this
winter should consider the availability, price, heating efficiency and quantity of firewood
promised leading up to the order.
"If you order a cord of firewood, make sure the dealer understands that what you
expect to get is what the law provides," said Massachusetts Consumer Affairs Director
Beth Lindstrom. "A cord is not a truckload or a pile dumped in your driveway. It must
measure 128 cubic feet and measure four feet by four feet by eight feet long when
closely stacked," specified Lindstrom.
winter should consider the availability, price, heating efficiency and quantity of firewood
promised leading up to the order.
"If you order a cord of firewood, make sure the dealer understands that what you
expect to get is what the law provides," said Massachusetts Consumer Affairs Director
Beth Lindstrom. "A cord is not a truckload or a pile dumped in your driveway. It must
measure 128 cubic feet and measure four feet by four feet by eight feet long when
closely stacked," specified Lindstrom.
- Some states specifically prohibit the terms "cord", "face cord", "pile" or
"truckload" from being used in advertising the sale of cordwood or firewood.
- The first stacking of firewood is the legal measurement and doesn't necessarily
happen on your property after delivery.
- Sellers are required to disclose their name and address, the amount of cubic feet
sold and price charged on the customer's invoice or delivery ticket.
- A standard pickup truck full of loose firewood that "should be about a cord" is
simply NOT a cord. If anything, it might be a "face cord", which is roughly one-third
of 128 cubic feet.
- Beware the dump! Get a delivery receipt attesting to the quantity sold and stack it
tightly and promptly. Measure and take pictures. If the quantity delivered is less
than promised, contact your local weights and measures office or the Division of
Standards.
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"The density of firewood is also very important if you are going to use it as a
supplemental heating source. Ideally, you want a hard wood that is seasoned and ready
to burn, added Lindstrom."
supplemental heating source. Ideally, you want a hard wood that is seasoned and ready
to burn, added Lindstrom."
- Purchase fully seasoned firewood or split your firewood at least six months before
use. Keep it off the ground and covered with plastic, allowing air to circulate freely.
- Green wood (freshly cut) has less heat value because energy is expended
evaporating moisture trapped in the wood.
- Different species of firewood yield varying amounts of heat per cord.
For those of you thinking about cutting your own firewood, you'll be interested in reading
"Estimating Firewood from Standing Trees" (PDF) by the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension.
"Estimating Firewood from Standing Trees" (PDF) by the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension.
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