Storing wood effectively is important for fueling your wood burning stove efficiently all year round. But what should you consider when storing wood for your stove at home?
What are the considerations for storing wood for your stove at home?
Storing wood for your stove at home is an important task to ensure that you have a reliable source of heat during the colder months. There are a few key things to keep in mind when storing wood, and these include:
- Storage location- The position of your woodpile should be as close to your stove as you can make it. This will reduce the amount of moisture that the wood collects while also making it easier to bring in wood as needed. Your woodpile should be placed in a covered area, like a shed or covered porch, to keep the wood dry and protected from the elements.
- Stacking wood- It’s crucial to stack your wood in a way that permits air to move freely around the logs. The wood will be able to dry out and avoid decay as a result. The term “rick” refers to a prevalent way of stacking wood in which the ends of the logs are facing outward and they are placed in a crisscross pattern. This makes it possible for air to flow around the logs and helps keep moisture from getting drawn in between them.
- Protect the wood- It’s crucial to use a tarp or other waterproof cover to protect the top of your woodpile. In order to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and losing its effectiveness as fuel, this will aid in shielding it from rain and snow. To prevent water from seeping in, make sure the tarp is tightly covering the woodpile and is attached firmly.
Make sure your wood is sufficiently dry before using it. Using a moisture metre, you can determine how much moisture is present in your wood and verify its moisture content. Choose wood with a moisture level of under 20% as your preferred option. Too much moisture in the wood will cause it to burn inefficiently, producing additional smoke and creosote accumulation in your chimney.
Here at JMS Stoves, we offer an amazing selection of top of the range of stove products perfect for any home. Why not get in touch today to find out more?