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The amount
of heat obtained from wood is directly proportional to its moisture content. For
maximum BTU output the wood should be dried to less than 20% moisture content by
weight. Wood higher than 20% is generally considered green (high moisture
content per weight) and is not suitable for heating. Not only will green wood
produce less heat, it burns poorly and produces high levels of particulate
matter called soot, which dirties the chimney and is the primary cause of
chimney fires.
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If the stove is an “airtight stove” there is less
particulate matter emitted because some of the smoke or gas is burnt before
it enters the chimney. With “airtight stoves” the soot itself is further
burnt in a separate baffle chamber area of the wood stove, to help reduce
the emitted soot into the chimney. |
It takes
approximately 8 to 12 months to dry firewood to less than 20% moisture content
providing it is split and stacked in a sunny area. Wood should be stacked either
in rows or in a hoiz hausen (round house stacked pile). Stacked wood should be
covered during the drying period.
For information on maximizing your
wood stove’s home heating efficiency see
the “Installation
of Hood over Wood Stove Ebook”.
Find a Pre-Screened Heating Contractor in Your Area
Wood Burning Stove and Fireplace Information from Amazon.com
Wood Stoves from Amazon.com
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