How to choose the right firewood for your wood heater. How to check the moisture levels and the best way to dry your firewood for optimal burning.
With new Australian standards introduced recently slow combustion fires burn more efficiently than ever before. This makes the quality of firewood more important.
How long a tree has been felled or dead for does not indicate how dry the wood is.
The best way to dry wood is to split it and expose the inner core allowing the sun to dry the wood naturally.
Good wood merchants will split the wood for you, but may not season it for you.
The amount you pay for your wood does not justify how dry the wood is. The only way to know how dry your wood is, is to use a moisture meter measuring from the inner core of the wood.
Only burn wood under 20% moisture. Anything over 20% and your wood heater will not work efficiently. The energy from the fire will be used to reduce moisture in your wood and not produce heat for your house.
Burning wet wood can also cause fire hazards due to creosote tar build-up on the flue & glass.
Once you’ve split your wood and exposed the inner core, store your wood for at least 12 months after you have purchased it. Your wood should be at a perfect moisture level, of around 15 to 20%.
*Never burn treated wood or painted wood.
Easy steps to choose the best firewood
Ensure you split your wood or purchase split wood
Store your wood for at least 12 months after delivery
Allow your wood to dry naturally in the sun and wind
Use a moisture meter to measure your wood
Measure from the inner core of your wood for best results
Ensure that your wood is between 15-20% moisture
Never use treated pine or painted wood.
Original article published by Australian Home Heating Association https://www.homeheat.com.au/tips-and-faqs/fuelling-your-fire/