For heating and to consume less electricity, some choose wood. It is both an ecological and economical practice. Here are our tips to use it in an appropriate and cost-effective way.
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How long does it take the wood to dry?
Several factors can be taken into account to estimate the length of time it takes to dry firewood, such as the size of the log, its density, where it is stored and the period during which it was purchased or cut depending on the region.
In addition, depending on the wood species, the drying time can be very long, as is the case for beech, chestnut, walnut, oak or fruit trees, whose wait is estimated between one to three years, depending on the moisture content during its recovery.
On the other hand, for conifers (fir, pine, spruce, larch), between six months and a year is enough, but despite their calorific value, they have the disadvantage of igniting and burning faster.
Firewood: how to dry it faster?
The thicker and more compact the wood, the longer its drying time will be. Therefore, you can split the logs and thus allow air to circulate and ensure that the material is less humid.
You can also cut the log into several pieces to obtain logs, to have smaller but effective ones faster.
It is possible to use the water vapor technique to dry your stock faster or invest in moisture absorbers to capture it.
Leaving a space between the logs prevents them from being glued and macerating with each other.
To protect yourself from the appearance of mold on the logs placed at the base of your pile, consider storing them on a dry pallet or concrete so that they are not in direct contact with the ground and not against a wall for the same reasons.
If you have a dry room with a high temperature, you can store some of your wood or, during the winter or cold days, when you use your chimney, place nearby (but at a certain distance to avoid any risk of flashover and leaving the firewall), some of the wood that will benefit from the heat of the flames.
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Where to store your wood to avoid rain?
To make moisture disappear, nothing better than air. The storage area of your wood must therefore be ventilated. By preventing it from being in an air current axis so that the wind lays fine particles of water.
Exposure can also allow for faster drying. In full sun or facing south, the temperature during mild periods will facilitate the long-awaited process.
If the wood is laid out outdoors, in case of rain, you can put a suitable tarpaulin on top so that the water does not settle on the logs.
The log shelter, with its roof at the top and slabs on the ground is the most suitable system for the maintenance of the stored material.
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How do I know if the wood is dry?
For optimal use and combustion and to prevent too much smoke, fine particles and soot, the humidity level must be less than 20%.
Several factors make it possible to note that wood can be used, starting with the color, a little lighter, the presence of cracks and cracks at the ends of the log and the hardness of the latter.
In addition, if you can easily peel off the bark and find that no mold or fungus has settled on an area and is growing, it means that the piece can be used.
