Why Choose Dry Firewood?
Burning wet logs is cumbersome and inefficient. A large portion of the energy from wet wood is used for evaporating moisture, and even more is lost as unburned smoke gas through the chimney. Additionally, the heating appliance will soot, reducing its heat retention capacity and shortening its lifespan.
How to Get Dry Firewood?
Obtaining dry firewood depends on several factors: wood type, drying conditions, log thickness, and storage. For example:
Alder: A quickly drying wood type.
Birch: Requires over a year of drying time.
Aspen: Dries properly in two summers.
Relatively dry firewood can be obtained in one summer if the logs are split and stacked in early spring, protected from rain, and the drying location is windy and sunny.
Moisture Content Below 20%
Usable firewood must have a moisture content below 20%. Wet wood should not be stored tightly in a wood shed or basement, as it will mold. Mold forms due to high moisture and slow air exchange.
Preheating and Storage
In autumn and winter, firewood stored in cold conditions may increase its moisture content slightly to 22%. Firewood should be brought indoors 1-2 days before burning to warm up and release excess moisture. Preheating will dry the wood to 10-15% moisture by the time it's ignited, ensuring clean and efficient burning.