May 2017 – Ask the Chimney Sweep

Burn Wise Moisture Meters Burn Wise suggests: Test your wood with a moisture meter Burning wet wood is detrimental to the efficient use of a wood burning device. This is because of its effects on air quality. In general, smoke from burning wood is harmful on the respiratory system. Burning wet wood however, actually becomes a more harmful pollutant and can even get you sick. Remember: Only burn wood that is properly dried. Cut your wood into a variety of size but no more than a 6" inch wedge (visualized in the video below). Stack your wood away from your home and other buildings on wood pallets with the wedge side facing down. Cover the wood with a tarp or wood shed, but leave the sides uncovered so air circulates. Give the wood enough time to dry. (Softer woods take about 6 months, harder woods take about a year) If the wood is cracking on the end, this generally means to dry enough to burn. The Environmental Protection Agency describes how to use a moisture meter to determine the wood's moisture level. It then provides information about seasoning firewood. https://youtu.be/yo1--Zrh11s Make sure you check out our YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/askthechimneysweep And other blogs ?