The Log Rack
How much firewood should I buy for the season?
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When planning to purchase firewood for the winter season you first have to determine your needs. Are
you a recreational burner? Or are you a weekend burner or a serious wood burner?
Before you answer that question make sure you purchase the best hardwood you can find and then
season it well before burning. Firewood can be the number one source for all your chimney problems.
Firewood must be properly seasoned and have a moisture content of less than 20%. Too much moisture
in your firewood can cause excess smoke leading to back puffing, emissions higher than EPA levels and
poor heat output.
A recreational wood burner someone who may have a fire a few times a month should consider buying
half a cord of wood. Just remember to keep it dry why chance a great romantic evening with unseasoned
or wet firewood. Also don’t forget to open the damper!
The weekend wood burner is the one who burns frequently 1 to 2 times per week. You should consider
buying a full cord of wood. This should be enough to get you through the winter.
The serious wood burner heats his home all winter long. We recommend 3 to 5 cords of wood. This
depends on where you live and the severity of your winters. In the worst case scenario cold weather can
set in around September or October and last into April or May. In this case 5 cords might not be enough
but it is better to be safe than sorry. Running out of firewood during the burning season can be costly.
Trying to find seasoned wood is another thing as most firewood dealers sell out early. If you end up with
extra firewood come spring you can always save it till the next season and just add firewood to replace
what you burnt. Remember to properly store your firewood till the next season.
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The Log Rack
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