Burning this time of year, Michigan climate

I think most folks here will tell you to burn small hot fires as needed. Ive got my Oslo going and the doorwall is open. Its a groan unless its below 40. way to warm in here

You'll figure it out. Sometimes all it takes is some kindling and a couple small splits to bring the house temp back up and hold til the next day with these temps. If it gets too hot open a window or two.

I think most folks here will tell you to burn small hot fires as needed.<<<<<<

That's good advice.

Also don't forget to move the air around as much as possible. Ceiling fans, Thru-wall fans, doorway fans, any kind of fan will help to distribute the heat so you're not sweltering hot in one room and cold in another. Get the air moving and those small fires won't be so unbearably hot.

Enjoy the new stove.

Ted
www.woodhomeheating.com

a few splits of pine work great...nice hot fire without a long term commitment.

SolarAndWood said:

a few splits of pine work great...nice hot fire without a long term commitment.

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+1

I have access to free kiln dried 2x4s and this time of year they come in real handy.

Must have burned close to 1 1/2 to 2 cords of 2 year seasoned White Pine and 2x4s last season.

But this year I'm going to run the NG furnace until it gets to below 32° on a regular basis, at night. (so basically next week) ;-P

That is exactly what I am doing this year & this early in the season ...run the NG for 10-15 min to bring the temps to comfortable levels & the house stays warm for hours. I believe I save tons (not literally) of wood this way..

I loaded three average peices in last night about 9 got her going, there were some coals still going at 2. 74 in house. Still 72 this AM. I wont put anymore in till this evening. Its 49 in Howell right now, if I added any wood to it Id have the farging door open again all day. as I said It needs to be under 40 befor I can keep her going all day.

I like to burn the end pieces of odd length cuts this time of year. I usually seem to have just the right amount to get into full burn season. Its fun to pick through and get the right combo of species for the daily fire.

This morning I put in 3 very small splits. I'll probably do the same thing tonight before going to bed. If it is too warm, I'll just let it go out.

The most important thing is to not put too much wood in when you need only a little heat. No, the stove won't be super efficient but who cares at this time of the year? I see too many posts early in the heating season where people load up their stoves and can hardly believe all the heat that thing is giving. Well, what would you expect?

Put in 3 splits. Why 3? Because 3 burns good; 2 does not burn good at all. Try it in an outdoor fire sometime so you can see that. 4 pieces burn even better but right now we don't need that much heat.

Where are you guys at? Mason MI here...

Marion Springs here.

Howell

I'm burning no more than 3 splits at a time with the new furnace. If we had a heatpump I wouldn't burn at all right now. All the wood I am using is dead branches that I removed from the forest floor thats dry. It was 29 out the other night, and it was 80 in the house, so I have to watch how I load it. Insulation helps for the inbetween burns.

Bloomfield Area

ok guys lol im not trying to be smart azzz but i thought the q had to do with creosote. im new to burning to and am interested in the q my guess would be no it doesn't. it seems it would be easy to maintain good flue temps at 50 verses 20. so what ... whats the answer ..lol

morrice here.. 2 small fires a day at the most keeps it comfortable.

raven said:

ok guys lol im not trying to be smart azzz but i thought the q had to do with creosote. im new to burning to and am interested in the q my guess would be no it doesn't. it seems it would be easy to maintain good flue temps at 50 verses 20. so what ... whats the answer ..lol

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The question was answered, build small hot fires, for comfort and no creosote.

Once hit a deer heading home to the Durand/Vernon area from Marion Springs. Long night!

Hey, another one from Howell!

Hey Bart do you have any info on the top down burning methods? Are there any spots on here that cover the different ways to burn top down? I mean it sounds pretty self explanitory but I'm sure there is more to it than I am thinking.

knotdodger said:

Bloomfield. Wow is firewood expensive there if you don't cut yourself. I work in Oakland
county and live in Midland county.

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I don't know if its expensive or not. From everything I see on Craigslist its goes from $150.00 to $210.00 per cord locally. Some of the prices are delivered some not.

Most folks around here just want to get rid of their wood. Lots of log length stuff set out for the garbage. There is almost zero demand for firewood in the area.
All my wood has come from Tree services, Neighbors, and My Own Property compliments of the Emerald Ash Bore in 2004.

I have right around 16 full cords cut, split and stacked on my property.

It's mostly Backwoods Savage's fault. %-P

This whole wood burning life style is a love hate relationship. :cheese: Love the heat, love being self sustainable, love sticking it to Consumers Energy, but hate the mess, the addiction, and time consumption.

Hiram, I am in Farmington Hills so it looks like I'll be woodgathering in your neck of the woods. Question - did you install your furnace or did someone else? If someone else, mind if I get their contact info? Trying to figure out the setup for the cold-air return for a Caddy (aka Hotblast 1950) I am about to pickup.