Overheat Loop - Make Use of It? Dry Your Firewood???

Hello everyone, I have been an avid reader for years, but finally joined so I could post something and get some feedback on my idea. I couldn’t find anything written about it, so here goes!

What do you think about utilizing the indoor wood boiler DUMP ZONE as a PRE-HEATER/DRYER for your firewood? I store about 2.5 cords of wood in my basement at a time. I bring it in by October 1st, and bug-bomb the basement. I stack it very neatly in an area dedicated and framed to hold ½ a seasons amount. Anyway… I have the wood up off the concrete floor with about 5†of airspace. I am seriously considering tapping into my small dump zone, and putting 3 loops underneath the 2.5 cord of wood.

WIN/WIN? Am I forgetting about something obviously wrong or dangerous about this? Can a fire start from wood particles sitting on 190+ degree copper pipe? My dump is circulator pump controlled, so no need to worry about Thermosiphon issues.

Please, let me know your thoughts on this because it is happening very soon to get the firewood inside in time.

Deere2305

Everyone, thanks for all of your thoughts on this. I have decided NOT to do it, solely based on the extra work/time/money involved. I still like the idea and I think if designed properly could have its benefits. To Rob: I don't have any storage (yet), and an overheat loop is meant to open and circulate to prevent something from going wrong (blowoff), not because there is something wrong, make sense? Since wood is only controllable - so much - the fact that the overheat loop opens once every two weeks or so for me, is just perfect. I would be blowing my relief on a regular basis if not. And its going to fire anyway, which was my intial point, I'm not making it fire on purpose, using extra wood to dry my stored wood... that woulndnt be too wise, to the other gentleman's point. =)

All in all, this is a great place to learn. I love burning wood, and not being dependant on THE MAN for oil. Been 2 years in April since I have been sober from OIL... haaa, and it feels wonderful.

Within this post I will say that I struggle to get my Jensen hot eneough to warrant storage. I think this year will be the true test, because I have two year seasoned firewood, ready to rock. I would like to invest in a moisture meter...

Thanks again everyone.

And yes: I love my 2305 Deere. The new line seems like garbage to me, just viewed them last weekend. YUCK.