By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — With cold temperatures already here and the economy especially tight, cost-conscious consumers will be looking to save money on heating expenses.

For many, the solution is burning firewood. But it’s important to remember to follow some basic tips when purchasing wood to heat one’s home. When buying firewood, consumers need to take into consideration a variety of factors, including the type of wood, its origin and the quantity.

“Firewood can be purchased almost anywhere and in many varieties,” said Tim Phelps, information and education specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry. “Consumers should educate themselves to make sure they get the best product for their money.”

Consumers also need to know firewood rules and regulations for their state or area prior to purchasing firewood. One key factor is the type of wood, because various woods burn differently and produce varying amounts of heat. For example, oak burns slower and produces less smoke, while pine burns faster and produces more soot and smoke.

Consumers should educate themselves about the type of wood that will best serve their needs. In addition, in Ohio for example, consumers should be aware that if the firewood is advertised and sold as a certain type of wood, the load must contain at least 90 percent of that species.

After deciding on the type of wood, be sure to ask retailers about its seasoning, which is the process of drying. In Ohio, firewood that is advertised and sold as “seasoned” must have a moisture content of less than 50 percent. Firewood typically takes nine months to become seasoned.

Burning wood that has not been dried out properly or seasoned will produce less heat, burn poorly and create unnecessary soot and smoke. “Unseasoned” wood will only produce two-thirds of the heat of “seasoned” wood.

Another factor to consider when purchasing wood is its origin. Firewood is often home to invasive insects and when moved, it can contribute to the spread of these pests. This is important because buying wood from other states may transport invasive exotic insects into their area.

“The Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer are two examples of insects that have devastated many native hardwood trees in the U.S. as a result of the transportation of infested wood products,” said Phelps. “So far, these insects have not been detected in Tennessee. We’re asking consumers to help us keep it that way.”

As a result, 44 infested counties in Ohio, for example, have been placed under Emerald Ash Borer quarantine. Firewood cannot be moved out of this quarantine area and according to law, violators face fines up to $4,000.

For a map of Ohio’s quarantined counties, as well a detailed explanation of the quarantine, visit www.ohioagriculture .gov/eab or call 888-OHIO-EAB (644-6322).

Consumers can help avoid potential problems by purchasing locally harvested firewood within a 50-mile radius of their home. They should also check with their state’s department of agriculture to ensure that they are in compliance with any quarantines or firewood transport restrictions.

The last factor to consider is the quantity. Firewood has its own unit of measurement called a cord. Firewood must be sold by the cord or fractions of a cord, starting at 1/8 of a cord. One cord, when properly stacked, should be 8 feet long by 4 feet high and 4 feet wide (128 cubic feet).

Consumers should be wary of other terms of measurement not standardized in the sale of firewood. In Ohio, for example, it is illegal to sell firewood by any other unit of measurement, such as a rick, rack, face cord or truckload. Non-packaged firewood must be sold by the cord or by fractions of a cord.

If sold in bulk, firewood must be purchased by the weight in ton measurements. This must be weighed on a certified scale. If non-packaged firewood is purchased, the seller must present the consumer with a delivery ticket or sales invoice that includes contact information and the terms and conditions of the sale.

Some firewood dealers also try to sell firewood by the truckload. A pickup truck cannot hold a cord of firewood. When purchasing firewood at brand retailers, there are established labeling protocols for firewood.

If a consumer believes that a seller did not comply with these rules and regulations, the buyer should immediately contact the seller. If a problem occurs with a firewood sale and the seller will not correct the problem, consumers should contact their local weights and measures inspector, located in their county auditor’s office.
By following these tips, consumers can feel good that they purchased a local, worthy product that will keep them warm throughout the winter months.