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.
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