HETAS approved: what does this mean?

HETAS is the Government approved organisation for wood fuel standards. (They also approve stove installers).

What does HETAS approval mean when I buy logs?

It means that we have satisfied an independent HETAS Inspector that every single seasoned log delivery is:

- Tested with a moisture meter to ensure it is fully seasoned, with a maximum moisture content of 25% at the centre of the log

- Delivered in accurate, measured volumes

- Sorted by species (hardwood and softwood)

- Made up of logs of a consistent size

- Contains no rotten or decayed wood

Don’t all log suppliers do this anyway?

Unfortunately not. There are literally thousands of log suppliers across the country but a surprisingly small number (only 6 across the UK as of Dec 2011) who are accredited with HETAS. Most sell by “the load” and may be unable to tell you with any accuracy how much a load is. Very few measure the moisture content of their firewood and it is not unusual to find softwood mixed in with hardwood logs.

Why is any of this important?

- Value for money

Burning logs that aren’t properly seasoned is a very frustrating experience. The fire is very difficult to light and the logs give off little heat (because they use their heat energy to boil off the excess moisture in the log).

This is why HETAS insist on logs being sold by volume and not by weight. The wetter wood is, the heavier it is. You will therefore always get best value for your money by buying firewood by volume. If you buy wood by weight, you risk paying for water rather than wood.

- Safety

More worryingly, the steam wet logs give off is likely to condense on the inside of the chimney flue causing tar build up (the main source of chimney fires) and also creating creosote which can eat away mortar, allowing carbon monoxide to escape into the building.