WEATHERING Woodstove WOES

Woodstoves are among the least expensive forms of home heating, enabling self-sufficiency and comfort that other heat sources don’t provide. They’re not without their share of work, though, both to keep you warm and to keep the stove maintained.

Even the most seasoned woodstove users will run into operation issues now and then; this article can be a refresher course for those folks. For green woodstove users, this summary of four common problems will help you better operate, maintain, and ultimately enjoy your woodstove.

Smoke Without Flame

Wood smoldering in a stove is most often not an issue with the woodstove, but rather an issue with the wood, according to Daniel Ciolkosz, assistant professor and research associate for Penn State Extension. Wood that smolders rather than burns likely hasn’t been properly seasoned.

Wood should be allowed to dry for at least one year after it’s been cut, preferably two years, particularly for hardwoods. Less than 20 percent moisture by weight is ideal