Wood burning stoves offer an excellent source of warmth and ambiance for homes in Lubbock and other chilly regions. They are eco-friendly and efficient when used correctly, and one critical factor in ensuring their optimal performance is the choice and utilization of the right firewood. In this article, we’ll dive into the technical details of selecting, preparing, and burning firewood in your wood burning stove.
- Firewood Selection
Before you begin burning wood in your stove, it’s essential to choose the right type of firewood. Several factors come into play when selecting firewood:
1.1. Wood Type:
The best wood for your wood stove is well-seasoned hardwood. Examples include oak, maple, hickory, and cherry. These woods burn hotter and longer, providing consistent heat.
1.2. Seasoning:
Properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of around 20% or less. Wood with high moisture content not only burns inefficiently but also causes creosote buildup in the chimney, which can lead to chimney fires.
1.3. Size:
Cut your firewood to the appropriate size for your stove. Ideally, pieces should be around 16 inches long to fit comfortably in most stoves.
- Storing Firewood
Proper storage of firewood is essential to ensure it remains dry and well-seasoned:
2.1. Woodshed:
Store your firewood in a dedicated woodshed or a well-ventilated, covered area. Elevate the woodpile off the ground to prevent moisture absorption from the soil.
2.2. Air Circulation:
Allow for good air circulation between the stacked logs to facilitate drying. Stacking the wood with gaps between the logs and using pallets or rails underneath helps.
2.3. Covering:
Protect your firewood from rain and snow by using a tarp or roof. This keeps it dry and ready for use.
- Using Firewood in Your Stove
Now that you’ve chosen and properly stored your firewood, it’s time to use it in your wood burning stove:
3.1. Start with Kindling:
Begin by lighting small pieces of dry kindling. This helps ignite the larger logs.
3.2. Loading the Stove:
Place a few smaller logs at the bottom of the stove. Add larger logs on top, ensuring that they’re not too tightly packed. Adequate airflow is crucial for a clean, efficient burn.
3.3. Draft Control:
Adjust the stove’s air intake or draft control to regulate the combustion rate. A small, controlled fire is more efficient and produces less creosote than a roaring blaze.
3.4. Maintenance:
Regularly clean your stove and chimney to remove creosote buildup. An annual inspection by a professional is advisable to ensure safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing, storing, and using the right firewood is essential for ensuring your wood burning stove operates at its best in Lubbock’s climate. With the correct type of wood, proper seasoning, and careful attention to the burning process, you can enjoy a warm and cozy home while minimizing environmental impact. Whether you’re technically inclined or just looking for some straightforward advice, following these guidelines will help you make the most of your wood burning stove.