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2.3
Piece Size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry enough
to burn. Even when dried, unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don't have the sharp
edges where the flames first catch.
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3 " to 6 " (75 mm to 150 mm) in cross section.
Having a range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier.
2.4
Compressed Wood Logs
Compressed wood logs made of 100% compressed sawdust can be
burned with caution in the number of these logs burned at once. Do
not burn compressed logs made of wax impregnated sawdust or logs
with any chemical additives. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
and warnings.
2.5
Drying Time
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood inserts.
Continually burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and involves lack of
heat and dirty glass door. Firewood with a moisture content between 15% and 20% will allow
the insert to produce its highest possible efficiency.
Here are some facts to consider in estimating drying time:
− Firewood bought from a dealer is rarely dry
enough to burn, so it is advisable to buy the
wood in spring and dry it yourself;
− Drying happens faster in dry weather than in a
damp climate;
− Drying happens faster in warm summer
weather than in winter weather;
− Small pieces dry more quickly than large
pieces;
− Split pieces dry more quickly than unsplit
rounds;
− Softwoods like pine, spruce, poplar, and aspen take less time to dry than hardwoods. they can be
dry enough to burn after being stacked to air dry only for the summer months;
− Hardwoods like oak, maple and ash can take one, or even two years to dry fully, especially if the
pieces are big;
− Firewood dries more quickly when stacked outside in a location exposed to sun and wind; it takes
much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed;
Page 10
Wood Inserts – Owner's Manual
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