Energy Efficiency
When buying wood, consider the cost per kilowatt of energy. Using local suppliers may seem more convenient, but much of the firewood currently available is damp and difficult to burn.
Less moisture = more heat output
Whilst open fires have a strong attraction, they are extremely inefficient compared to wood burning stoves and even these will vary considerably.
Efficient methods of burning wood
The more efficient a fire burns the less fuel is required
Number of logs required to produce an equivalent heat output
Additionally the higher water content will prevent the gasses in the wood from igniting allowing them to escape - unused, up to 50% potential heat wasted!