3+ years and same problems with wood stove

[pastorbmp]

Hello,
I have received great advice from this forum and I am very appreciative of a place to come for questions to be answered. I am no expert on wood burning stoves, but I have had the one I have now for 3 seasons. It is an EPA approved New Englander. The first year was a disaster. I bought wood and it was all pretty green. But, the next year, I had cut my own oak, it was split and seasoned for about 11 months. We had a very good year last year.

This year, I cut my own oak and hickory, split and seasoned for 10-11 months. This year has been another disaster. Wood won't burn, get a rolling hot fire -leave door open for 10-15-20 minutes or more, then shut the door and fire goes out. I checked my flue and stove pipes - all are clean. Flue is in good shape (it had never been used before I used it 3 years ago). SURELY all of these EPA approved stoves cannot be this persnickety about wood! I am about to tear what little hair I have out I do not have the room to store 2-3years of firewood so it can season for 2 years. I have folks at church that have newer, epa approved stoves, and cut their wood a few months before they burn it and do not seem to have any problems at all. I am seriously considering to an old Fisher Stove (if I can find one). This is ridiculous

Any help or suggestions (or sympathy) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pastorbmp]

BTW...got done writing this post, went to check the fire (door on wood stove is cracked open) fire was completely out ARRRRRRR!

 

[Nick Mystic]

Oak and hickory cut and split for less than a year is going to be a problem for getting good hot fires. I see you are next door to me in Tennessee (I live near Asheville, NC) and we had a record wet year so far with over 70" in the rain gauge so far. If you had similar weather you probably did not get much drying done to that oak and hickory. You mentioned that you've been around here at the forum a few years, so you know all the problems people have using wood that hasn't been seasoned long enough. Even with an old smoke dragon you'll have trouble getting a good hot fire going if your fuel source isn't dry enough.

 

[Shari]

As you already know: it's the wood.

Your best bet would be to find an experienced EPA wood stove burner in your area who has excess well seasoned wood and see if they would be interested in swapping out wood with you.

Yes, all the EPA stoves are persnickety.

 

[setitonfire]

Have you tried purchasing kiln dried wood from your supermarket or hardware store? From everything I've read on this site, 10-11 months is no where near enough time for the oak to dry out properly. Try 2-3 packages to kiln dried wood to test if it's an issue with your fuel or how your managing the stove.

 

[pastorbmp]

Thanks for the advice. I just do not understand why others who have EPA approved stoves that I know can get by with wood they cut well after mine is cut, split and stacked - and 11 months isn't long enough. Oh well...I guess it is what it is. Thanks folks. It's just really frustrating.

 

[ColdNH]

I feel your pain. 2nd year with my Oslo, once again not the greatest wood. starting from a cold stove can be a royal pita. I dont ever remember my napoleon 1450 being this picky about wood.

I wouldnt give up yet however. maybe you can scroung some pallets to help start the fires. I have scrounged a solid 2 cord of white pine which seasons pretty quick to help with starting from a cold stove next year. It is frustrating for sure. I look at all the wood I have cut split and stacked on my property and it makes me sick that only like 15% of it is actually well seasoned.

 

[pastorbmp]

As you already know: it's the wood.

Your best bet would be to find an experienced EPA wood stove burner in your area who has excess well seasoned wood and see if they would be interested in swapping out wood with you.

Yes, all the EPA stoves are persnickety.

That would be a great idea, but - around here - most people don't cut their wood until November I have known of and seen them out cutting wood in December and January to burn right then.

 

[pastorbmp]

Have you tried purchasing kiln dried wood from your supermarket or hardware store? From everything I've read on this site, 10-11 months is no where near enough time for the oak to dry out properly. Try 2-3 packages to kiln dried wood to test if it's an issue with your fuel or how your managing the stove.

I've got some dry kiln oak kindling (came from Lazy boy factory - a man in our church works there). It will burn ok. But, you could almost breath on it and catch it on fire.

 

[chemical_man]

I have to agree that it is the wood. I hear oak is a finicky wood to dry, makes nice floors though (imo). I had my wood delivered in June and it is burning quite well. The wood is mostly birch and maple. If these are available down south, get some for next season. If you can find maple, I recommend mature maple as it is dense and burns long/hot and still dries well.

 

[Beer Belly]

As you already know: it's the wood.

Your best bet would be to find an experienced EPA wood stove burner in your area who has excess well seasoned wood and see if they would be interested in swapping out wood with you.

Yes, all the EPA stoves are persnickety.

+1

 

[oldspark]

Thanks for the advice. I just do not understand why others who have EPA approved stoves that I know can get by with wood they cut well after mine is cut, split and stacked - and 11 months isn't long enough. Oh well...I guess it is what it is. Thanks folks. It's just really frustrating.

Maybe its not Oak or another slow drying wood, maybe it was dead and somewhat dry when cut, buy yourself a MM and remove the guess work.

 

[pastorbmp]

So, I guess the answer - if I stay with this stove - is to have 3 years worth of wood on hand. One - to burn (2 years seasoned), one with a year's worth of seasoning for next year, and a third just cut for 2 years out. WHICH means, I won't have a decent fire at this point for at least 2 years, because I only have enough on hand for this year. That seems just crazy. There is no buying "seasoned" wood around here. I do not know of anyone who has to deal with wood in that way. I don't have room to store 18-20 rick of wood. Well...I guess it is, what it is.

 

[dmmoss51]

I cut in November December and January for November December and January 2 years from now

Those people that are cutting wood to burn right away either are not admitting they are having problems, not burning it right away or using an old smoke dragon that is much more forgiving but less efficient... they have to cut wood and burn it right way because they go through it so fast!

 

[oldspark]

So, I guess the answer - if I stay with this stove - is to have 3 years worth of wood on hand. One - to burn (2 years seasoned), one with a year's worth of seasoning for next year, and a third just cut for 2 years out. WHICH means, I won't have a decent fire at this point for at least 2 years, because I only have enough on hand for this year. That seems just crazy. There is no buying "seasoned" wood around here. I do not know of anyone who has to deal with wood in that way. I don't have room to store 18-20 rick of wood. Well...I guess it is, what it is.

Plenty of quicker drying woods out there, relax and enjoy the journey. I have several types of wood I can dry in one long summer.

 

[dmmoss51]

Have you had your chimney cleaned recently? You said last year was a good year, but you were probably also burning green wood then which would have a greater tendency to build up creosote in your chimney which is not only dangerous in terms of chimney fire it could also greatly reduce the draft making this year harder.

 

[Beer Belly]

Those who cut, split, and burn.....what species of wood ???.....I've got a friend who sez he can do this with Ash, I tell him at least give it a year

 

[oldspark]

Size of splits can have a lot to do with how well it burns, I burn a lot of Oak but no way would I want that for my only wood.
Dense woods start on fire harder and add to that too much moisture and your fire is gonna suck.

 

[USMC80]

Plenty of quicker drying woods out there, relax and enjoy the journey. I have several types of wood I can dry in one long summer.

Exactly right. Find yourself some Ash, Silver Maple, sassafrass etc. 8-10 months split and stacked and your set. Poplar too

 

[pastorbmp]

Maybe its not Oak or another slow drying wood, maybe it was dead and somewhat dry when cut, buy yourself a MM and remove the guess work.

What is an MM? Moisture meter?

Have you had your chimney cleaned recently? You said last year was a good year, but you were probably also burning green wood then which would have a greater tendency to build up creosote in your chimney which is not only dangerous in terms of chimney fire it could also greatly reduce the draft making this year harder.

Chimney is fine. I clean it at least twice per year. I checked it they other day, and it was fine.

 

[BurnIt13]

Tell us about how the oak is stacked. If you had a bazillion cords of oak stacked...you have the luxury of time and can stack it 10 rows deep if you wanted. Since time is not on your side I would recommend stacking it in single rows with access to plenty of airflow and sunshine. Keep the wood out of the shade if possible.

I am a new burner (3 yrs now) and have gone through what you going through now. After year one I made sure to get ahead 3 years because all I have is oak.

I C/S/S some 3 cords of oak during the spring of 2011. It is now 18-24%. I burnt a load of it two nights ago and although it burns better than it ever has some of the really large splits still sizzled a little bit. It is stacked in single rows but doesn't get full sunshine.

Moral of the story:
In ideal conditions with plenty of wind and 100% sunshine, oak "may" season in two years when stacked in single rows. In typical conditions, 3 years is about normal. 4+yrs if you are like my dad and store your wood in the forest.

After I learned my lesson the first winter I cut and stacked maple, cherry, and ash in the spring of 2012 for burning that winter and this winter. The oak that was split in 2011 will be saved until 2014-2015.

 

[pastorbmp]

Exactly right. Find yourself some Ash, Silver Maple, sassafrass etc. 8-10 months split and stacked and your set. Poplar too

Thanks. That is probably some good advice for me. I have mixed other woods in, but I went with only oak and hickory this year ( I have a smidgeon of maple). I really like oak. But, will probably have to cut some other for next year.

 

[pastorbmp]

Tell us about how the oak is stacked. If you had a bazillion cords of oak stacked...you have the luxury of time and can stack it 10 rows deep if you wanted. Since time is not on your side I would recommend stacking it in single rows with access to plenty of airflow and sunshine. Keep the wood out of the shade if possible.

I am a new burner (3 yrs now) and have gone through what you going through now. After year one I made sure to get ahead 3 years because all I have is oak.

I C/S/S some 3 cords of oak during the spring of 2011. It is now 18-24%. I burnt a load of it two nights ago and although it burns better than it ever has some of the really large splits still sizzled a little bit. It is stacked in single rows but doesn't get full sunshine.

Moral of the story:
In ideal conditions with plenty of wind and 100% sunshine, oak "may" season in two years when stacked in single rows. In typical conditions, 3 years is about normal. 4+yrs if you are like my dad and store your wood in the forest.

After I learned my lesson the first winter I cut and stacked maple, cherry, and ash in the spring of 2012 for burning that winter and this winter. The oak that was split in 2011 will be saved until 2014-2015.

I stack my firewood in an open carport (roof only). I leave about 1 foot of space between rows. Carport is in sun most of the day. It is off the ground,stacked on boards with bricks under the boards.

 

[begreen]

You are doing most things very right. Unfortunately oak and hickory are longer seasoning wood. For one year wood you could also add locust. It may not be perfect after 11 months, but it will be burnable.

For your existing wood, resplit a thicker split or two. Put the freshly split face of the wood up against your cheek. Does it feel cool and damp? If so, it has not fully seasoned. Pick through your wood piles and find some smaller 4" splits that feel lighter and make a musical note when banged together. They will be drier. Keep them indoors for a couple days and then try burning them. I think you will have success with them.

 

[dmmoss51]

So it sounds then like the wood is truly the culprit. I also love burning Oak, great BTUs nice clean ash and long lasting but it will not dry in only one year.

I think your carport setup is good and actually may speed things up with the sun helping to warm things up. Keep working on the wood supply and getting ahead and you should see better results as you go.

In the meantime other ideas would be things like scrap wood, old palletts etc that are going to be nice and dry, also some of those bio bricks or envirologs to mix in. When I had some marginal wood i found that mixing in some of that dry stuff helped. A less than optimal spit or two in an already good burning fire with lots of hot coals didn't do too bad. Trying to start a fire with a load of all green stuff is going to be a challenge every time.

Good luck on your stove and I think given some more time and different species of wood you will really have good results!