A BIG downside to burning wood for heat is the constant ash pile. A very helpful hint, try to move your ash to the bucket while it's still in coal form. It will emit a little smoke, but otherwise keep ash from being shot in the air from the heat. If you let the coals die down, every scoop will send ash into your air, coating everything in the room!Another helpful hint, don't dump your ash in a trash can until you're SURE it's completely cold. I've ruined two plastic cans this way, both with gaping burn holes in the bottom.
Have a yard? Potash is high in potassium, good fertilizer for some plants. Do your research though, too much potassium can scorch your plants. You can also use Potash in small amounts with your compost pile.
Happy heating!
