Living off-grid on a narrowboat or floating home comes with all the charm — and all the challenges — of being self-sufficient. One of the biggest? Heating your space sustainably, without relying on fossil fuels or wasteful materials. Here's how to stay warm, the eco-friendly way.
Choose Renewable, Low-Emission Fuels
For clean, off-grid heating, avoid house coal, damp logs or softwoods. These create smoke, residue, and can be environmentally harmful.
Instead, opt for:
-
Wood briquettes — Made from compressed sawdust, they’re a byproduct of the timber industry and burn cleanly with minimal ash.
-
Kiln dried hardwood logs — Species like oak, ash and birch offer long burn times and high efficiency with less smoke.
-
Natural fire starters — Ditch the chemical lighters and opt for wax-coated wood wool starters for a clean ignition every time.
All our fuels are Ready to Burn certified, meaning they meet strict moisture and emissions standards.
Reduce Your Impact with Smart Storage & Usage
Eco heating is not just about what you burn, but how you burn it. Here’s how to reduce waste and maximise performance:
-
Store your fuel dry – Damp wood or briquettes will smoke and waste energy. Keep them in breathable, covered containers.
-
Burn efficiently – Use small loads and control airflow with your stove’s vents. Overloading or smouldering wastes fuel.
-
Choose the right size – Our fuels are sized for compact stoves, reducing the need to chop or trim, saving time and effort.
Skip Plastic — Even in Your Fuel Supply
We believe sustainability goes beyond what’s in the fire. That’s why we pack everything in recyclable cardboard, sealed with paper tape — no plastic nets or film. You can even use the packaging to help start your fire.
Briquettes: The Off-Grid Favourite
If you’ve got limited space on board and want serious heat output, briquettes are your best bet. They’re:
-
Compact and easy to store
-
Low in moisture (under 10%)
-
Consistently shaped and easy to break
-
Long-burning, clean and reliable
Perfect for boaters who don’t want the hassle of chopping logs or dealing with inconsistent firewood.
Make It Part of a Greener Lifestyle
Using the right fuel is just one part of an eco-friendly life afloat. Combine your stove with:
-
A well-insulated boat cabin
-
A heat reflector behind the stove
-
Smart vent management
-
Refillable water bottles and non-disposable goods
Heating sustainably helps protect the waterways we all enjoy — and keeps your living costs low in the long run.
Sustainable Heating, Made Easy
At The Logsmith, we make eco heating simple for boaters and off-grid dwellers. From ultra-dry hardwood logs to eco briquettes and kindling, every product we deliver is selected for clean burning, low impact and real warmth.