Max Acceptable Moisture Level?

[WarmGuy]

Well, I've run out of this year's wood. We often have to have fires through June in our coastal location, sometimes year round!

I have some wood that I split 1-4 months ago. Today I bought a moisture meter and am getting readings between 25% and 40% for this wood (I split before reading).

At what max moisture level do you think I could start burning this wood?

Thanks,

Al

 

[fossil]

20% Rick

 

[certified106]

There is no way I would burn anything in my stove that was close to 40%mc. I usually don't burn anything unless it is below 18%. To put it in perspective the fresh cut hickory that I split today was at 26%mc so 24 is pretty green wood in my opinion.

 

[Woody Stover]

If you're burning an old smoke dragon, WarmGuy, you can toss anything in there. If you're burning an EPA stove, you'll suffer dramatically decreased performance, and your flue may need cleaning shortly.

I usually don't burn anything unless it is below 18%.

When I put some 20% fan-dried Ash into the stove, to steal the phrase of another poster here, it hissed like a pissed off cat. :lol:
I tossed some dead standing Black Oak branch rounds in a few days ago. It was 14-16%, no hissing at all, so that is what I'll be shooting for.

 

[CTYank]

One quick way to dry splits a lot: stack some end-on alongside the stove a foot or two away. (So the temps don't EVER exceed 200 deg F.)

 

[burntime]

I stacked a piece of oak that came from an armload of hissers... About 10 minutes later I looked at a piece I stacked on the top shelf to check and could actually see steam! It was 24% when I resplit and checked. 20% has always been good.

 

[RNLA]

Meter or no meter. 1 year minimum, DRY ventilated storage. No tarps, no ground contact.

 

[rdust]

Mid 20's on my cheapo meter appears to be fine with no sizzle. I really think these cheap meters read differently for everyone. :lol: Makes me glad I'm 3 years ahead and don't worry about the meter anymore.