Burn Wise: Test Your Wood with a
Moisture Meter

Why should I use a wood moisture meter?
Burning wet wood is a waste of energy. Wood burns most efficiently when the moisture content is
between 15% - 20%. When a live tree is cut the moisture content can be greater than 50%, (i.e.,
half of the weight of the wood is water).
Too much water in the wood reduces the temperature in
the stove preventing the wood from completely burning	L mk Burn drier,
(water puts out fires). Incomplete combustion results in	Burn better,
smoke (wasted energy) going up the chimney and creates |S|HA
creosote (a fire hazard). The smoke can also negatively	heat and less smoke
impact your air quality inside and outside your home.
^ How do I test my firewood with a wood moisture meter?
Split the firewood, then shortly after (less than 24 hours), stick the prongs of the wood moisture
meter into the newly split side of the wood. This ensures you are testing the inside of the wood
and not just the outer layer of the wood. Also, stick the wood so the prongs run parallel with the
grain of the wood and test 2-3 different locations for the most accurate reading. If possible, test
the wood when the outside temperature is 50°F - 90°F. Lower wood temperatures result in lower
indicated moisture content. See correction table: http://www.delmhorst.com/correction-
tables#temperature. You can purchase a basic moisture meter online or at most hardware stores
for around $15.00 - $40.00.
Step 1:	Step 2:
Split the wood Test newly split side ReadytoBum Not Ready to Burn
L
How to Season Your Firewood?
To season your wood split (split wood dries much faster), stack, cover the top and store your wood
for at least 6-12 months.
For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/burnwise.
Burn Wise Split, Stack, Cover and Store Video- http://www.voutube.com/watch?v=vol-Zrhlls.
Burn to Wise
-Program of the U.S. EPA

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