Natural logs contain a lot of water, and the more water they contain, the more energy is used condensing this to steam rather than heating your house.

Unseasoned logs, cut this season can contain between 40% and 70% water, Seasoned logs, cut last year and stored correctly for 12 months or more contain 20% to 40% water.  Even Kiln dried logs contain 15% to 20% water.  Hotmax contains <7%.

The best seasoned Beech wood contains around 20% water and produces 6.3 mj/tonne of heat energy when burnt.  Hotmax produces 17 mj/tonne. That is a massive 170% more heat for the same weight of wood.

How much you save using Hotmax will depend on where you buy your logs.  If you can buy good logs at a very competitive price, it would still be worth considering using Hotmax to get your stove up to temperature quickly to reduce the problems associated with creosote or tar setting in the chimney.

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