Answers to Wood Burner’s Quiz
1) Yes
You can have a fire without smoke if you are using the proper fuel (dry, seasoned wood or manufactured logs) and operating your stove properly (small, hot fires with plenty of air). You will have smoke when you first start your fire or when you add an additional log to the fire, but the smoke should turn to heat waves in about 20 minutes. If not, check your fuel and burning methods.
2) E
Properly seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood. Use a moisture meter, available at most stores, to tell if your wood is ready to burn. It should have 20 percent moisture or less. Or just knock on it. If it sounds hollow, it’s probably seasoned. Dry, seasoned wood provides more heat than green, unseasoned or wet wood – so you’ll use less wood for the same amount of heat, you’ll produce far less smoke, and you’ll keep your stove in better working condition with less creosote build up.
3) C
Freshly cut wood takes at least six months to become seasoned after it has been split, properly stacked to allow good airflow, and protected from the rain. In our Northwest climate, 12 months can be necessary for wood’s moisture content to get down to 20%. Seasoned wood left in the rain can re-absorb moisture and burn as poorly as green, fresh wood.
4) F
Watch this 5-minute video for a quick refresher.
5) A
Small, hot fires are best. It’s important to use smaller pieces of seasoned firewood when starting your fire so it will become a good, hot fire quickly. The key is to get the stove hot enough so it will perform as designed and re-burn the smoke. Then add larger pieces of wood one at a time as needed instead of loading your stove with several large pieces at once. Clear out the ash regularly, but only after the ash has cooled completely. Leave about an inch of ash in the bottom of the stove for optimum performance. Dispose of the rest in a metal container.
6) It depends
You can only use your certified wood stove during a Stage 1 burn ban, but no visible smoke is allowed after a 20-minute start-up period. Uncertified stoves and open hearth fireplaces are banned. During a Stage 2 burn ban, NO wood stoves, pellet stoves or fireplaces are allowed unless this is your only adequate source of heat. Even if this is the case, no visible smoke is allowed.
7) E
Review your burning practices. If you still have a problem, consult with your local hearth retailer. You may need to have your stove serviced.
8) B
Have your stove serviced yearly by a wood heat professional, preferably one certified by the National Fireplace Institute, to make sure your stove and chimney are in good shape. Also, keep your chimney clean and clear by using a certified chimney sweep annually. Creosote caused from burning can build up in your chimney, which can create a safety hazard.
9) No
While you may still use your wood stove during a burn ban if it is your only adequate source of heat, you may NOT produce visible smoke. That’s an indication of improper use and/or wet, green wood. Natural gas and propane stoves are OK to use during a burn ban.
10) No
It is illegal to burn anything but dry, seasoned wood or manufactured logs, using just a small amount of newspaper as a fire starter. Recycle or throw away your household trash, paper and cardboard. Never burn ocean driftwood or plywood, particle board or any other wood with glue on or in it. They all release toxic chemicals when burned and may damage your wood-burning appliance.
