Thermawood™ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thermawood™ and what are Thermalogs made of?
- Environmentally friendly 100% wood with no additives
- Comprised of wood by-products like shavings and sawdust
- Natural resins (Lignin) form during compression and bind the log together
- Primarily 8” Logs
How much Thermawood™ equals a cord of regular firewood?
It's difficult to draw direct conclusions between the Thermalog product and
a cord of wood since firewood varies greatly in terms of moisture content, species,
and even unit of measure. As a ball-park figure, however, 1-ton of Thermawood most directly
compares to the heat value of between 1.5 to 2+ cords of regular firewood. We recommend
trying a small quantity of Thermawood so you can draw specific conclusions for yourself.
Why burn Thermawood™?
- Fossil Fuel prices have risen through the roof and people are exploring other options.
- There is expected to be a shortage of firewood this Winter (2008-2009) and seasoned debarked
firewood is in very short supply. Cheaper and more efficient alternatives are needed.
- To “Go Green”! Created from sawmill residues and recycled
material, Thermawood produces fewer polluting emissions and less smoke than
cordwood and is a renewable energy source.
What is Thermawood™ like when it burns?
Thermawood burns hot and intensely "smoulders" like coal. As a result of the compression
process, the wood also "fish scales" as it burns, allowing more heat and oxygen
to reach the center of the fuel. Compared to cordwood, significantly less debris
remains after the fire is done.
What are some uses for Thermawood™?
- Residential Heating. Thermawood™ can be burned in any existing equipment that can
handle firewood, unlike pellet fuel.
- Commercial / Industrial heating and power generation. Thermawood™ requires no specialized
equipment to burn it and can be used in any furnace that can handle cordwood. Combined
with the low-cost and efficiency of the logs, Thermawood™ is a superior fuel for
large-scale burning and heating purposes.
- Urban market – 15 Log Bags
- Camping / grilling
How do I start my Thermalog?
To build an efficient heat producing Thermalog fire:
- Open your flue fully.
- Place the fire starter in the middle of your fireplace grate.
- Place 2 Thermalogs parallel with about an inch gap between them.
- Light the fire starter, and then place one or two more logs on top at an angle.
Note: It may take approx. 15-25 minutes for your fire to become fully ignited.
- Do not add more then 3-4 logs during initial fire. These logs produce much higher
BTU’s than conventional firewood, therefore less is required. Additional logs may
be added as needed.
- Adjust flue as needed to restrict airflow and keep your Thermalogs burning longer
and hotter. 3-4 Thermalogs will flame for approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours and produce
a pleasant and warming glow for an additional 2 hours. There is no need for tending
to your Thermalogs.
How does wood burn?
As wood burns, water is evaporated and the wood is broken-down and separated into
charcoal and gas. One pound of dry wood contains approximately 8,600
BTU (British Thermal Units), the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature
of one pound of water one degree. Moisture takes heat away as it evaporates, causing
a fire to produce thicker smoke but lose its intensity. For each pound of water
evaporated by fire, roughly 1,200 BTU is lost.