Comparing cost of firewood with other fuels

[hardtop110]

Right folks, I've been trying to work out comparable costs for different fuels. I know there are various calculators etc., out there, but I wanted the hard grind so I could understand the figures.

 

1 m3 of timber = 0.294 cord

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 30,000,000 BTU

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 2585 kW

Energy efficiency of multifuel boiler = 75%

Average energy efficiency oil ch boiler = 92%

1200 l 0f CH oil has an effective energy value of 11040

1 m3 of timber has an effective energy value of 1938

1 m3 of timber has the same energy value as 211 litres of oil

1 litre of oil cost £0.65

Therefore 1 m3 of timber at oil prices should cost £136.95

 

Obviously you have to factor in the convenience factor of oil vs the attractiveness of a wood fire, but even at £125 per cube, it is still cheaper than oil.

 

At £100.00 per cube

Timber costs £0.052 per kWh

Oil costs £0.071 per kWh

Edited September 16, 2011 by hardtop110
added figures

[tim361]

What price was the oil when you worked this out?

[tim361]

Ignore that, just re read it. Oil is only around 57p per litre at the mo.

[hardtop110]

1 m3 of timber = 0.294 cord

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 30,000,000 BTU

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 2585 kW

Energy efficiency of multifuel boiler = 75%

Average energy efficiency oil ch boiler = 92%

1200 l 0f CH oil has an effective energy value of 11040 kW

1 m3 of timber has an effective energy value of 1938 kW

1 m3 of timber has the same energy value as 211 litres of oil

1 litre of oil cost £0.57

Therefore 1 m3 of timber at oil prices should cost £120.10

 

At £100.00 per cube

Timber costs £0.052 per kWh

Oil costs £0.062 per kWh at 57p per litre

 

Although I'll bet that the price of oil will exceed 65p per litre as soon as the snow comes.

[eggsarascal]

1 m3 of timber = 0.294 cord

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 30,000,000 BTU

1 cord (mixed beech / oak) = 2585 kW

Energy efficiency of multifuel boiler = 75%

Average energy efficiency oil ch boiler = 92%

1200 l 0f CH oil has an effective energy value of 11040 kW

1 m3 of timber has an effective energy value of 1938 kW

1 m3 of timber has the same energy value as 211 litres of oil

1 litre of oil cost £0.57

Therefore 1 m3 of timber at oil prices should cost £120.10

 

At £100.00 per cube

Timber costs £0.052 per kWh

Oil costs £0.062 per kWh at 57p per litre

 

Although I'll bet that the price of oil will exceed 65p per litre as soon as the snow comes.

 

Therefore 1 m3 of timber at oil prices should cost £120.10 Thats how mucn it does cost if you buy it off me

[Hodge]

I'd get out more!! LOL .

[hardtop110]

Sorry Hodge. I can explain the maths if it's a bit too difficult for you. LOL

[dave fox]

Therefore 1 m3 of timber at oil prices should cost £120.10 Thats how mucn it does cost if you buy it off me

you can knock the 10p off mine:thumbup:

[john k]

Hmm. Are those figures for a solid cubic metre of wood, a cubic metre of stacked cord, or a cubic metre of logs as normally delivered?

[davetaz]

Are we to assume these figures are "scientific"?

The only downside is the harnessing of the energy and the efficiency of the various boilers/burners used.

I think that many people with log burners don't use them efficiently - but that's ok, so long as they keep coming back for more logs