Dry firewood is an important part of using a wood-burning stove, but the label on a log bag is only one part of the picture. The appliance instructions, storage arrangements and your maintenance routine also deserve attention.
What does dry firewood mean?
HETAS firewood guidance explains why moisture matters: wetter logs use heat to evaporate water and can contribute to unwanted deposits. Wood intended for burning should meet the moisture requirements of your appliance; 20% or less is the usual benchmark for dry logs.
A moisture meter can help check wood. Follow its instructions and test a freshly split internal face rather than relying only on the outer surface. A single reading from one log does not describe an entire delivery, so check a representative selection.
Ask useful questions when buying logs
Ask the supplier what product you are buying, whether it is ready for use and what storage it needs. Terms such as “seasoned” and “kiln dried” describe treatment or preparation, but do not remove the need to understand the condition of the logs you receive.
Keep delivery information somewhere accessible. If you later discuss a change in stove performance with a sweep, knowing when the fuel changed can help explain the sequence of events.
Think about storage as well as purchase
Suitable covered storage with airflow helps keep prepared firewood from becoming wet again. Follow the supplier’s advice and keep stored fuel clear of the appliance in line with its instructions. Do not pile logs against hot surfaces or use the stove as a drying rack.
Only burn fuel suitable for your appliance. Avoid treating unfamiliar timber or household waste as a substitute for the recommended fuel. If you are unsure, check the manual or ask for advice before using it.
Keep sweeping part of the routine
Fuel choice is not a replacement for chimney sweeping. Tell Luke what you burn and how often you use the appliance when discussing your maintenance schedule. If a problem develops, report it rather than trying to solve it by experimenting with different fuels.
Contact LCM for sweeping in Yeovil, East Coker, Sherborne and nearby villages. Bring your appliance information and any fuel questions to the discussion.
