For wood to become useable in a fire, you must dry it all the way through. If not, it’s either going to be an exercise in insanity, where you char the wood to no avail, or it’ll become a fireworks display you weren’t intending. The latter case comes complete with pops, sparks and scalding hot projectiles shooting out in a random and unpredictable way.
In the event you have to burn wood in a hurry or the pile you’ve been drying is soaking wet, a fast and expedient way to dry the wood will be desirable. Using a fan can help dry firewood, so long as the environment is free of humidity along with being warm and dry.
As a matter of fact, if done right, a fan can speed up the seasoning process, bringing the time down to only a matter of weeks versus several months. But, although it’s faster than putting it outside and leaving it to the elements, you should always go with the natural way.
How Do You Dry Firewood Quickly?
In the event we need firewood ASAP, we can’t go the normal route out of seasoning. This is especially true if the wood pile gets rewet or when the only wood available is green, fresh wood. Along with using a fan, you can use a dehumidifier or electric heater.
How Do You Use a Fan to Dry Firewood?
You can’t go wrong with a fan, but you should also be aware it may not be as effective as you’d like. If the climate around the wood is cold and/or damp, then a fan isn’t going to do much good.
Also, a dinky desk fan will not be efficient enough, regardless of the condition surrounding the wood in question. You must have a high-powered fan with some force to the breeze in order for this to work.
What Is Relative Humidity?
Success in using a fan will depend on the relative humidity of the air. Relative humidity determines the ratio of the air’s water vapor. Measurement of this saturation level in relationship to the temperature determines the air’s wetness or dryness.
What Is a Hygrometer and How Do You Use It?
A hygrometer is the best way to gauge the air’s humidity. These come as digital or analog devices. Any reading below 65% to 70% will be acceptable for drying firewood with a fan. So, generally speaking, it’s better to use a fan in autumn and summer than in winter and spring. Of course, this will depend on the climate of your immediate area during each season.
Anything higher than 70% will require additional equipment to remove the humidity in the air. Otherwise, you’re just pushing the moisture around in the vicinity which will result in putting more water into the wood. In other words, a self-defeating exercise and a total waste of resources.
Is a Dehumidifier Good For Drying Firewood?
You can use a dehumidifier to help quicken the seasoning process. However, there are a few things to think about and ponder before jumping into using it. This includes your electric bill and how much heat is nearby. Also keep in mind that this will only work with a fan.
We recommend using a humidifier that is energy efficient like this one by Corlitec. It can dehumidify up to 1,500 sq ft. which makes it a great choice if you have have a large area where you store your firewood.
Will It Be Expensive to Use a Dehumidifier?
The downside of a dehumidifier is electricity consumption. If you’re going to use it in conjunction with a fan, this is going to make your utility bill go up. For some people, this may not be feasible. So, only use a dehumidifier on an as-needed basis; don’t let it be the go-to option.
Will a Dehumidifier Dry Wood on Its Own?
You will not be able to use a dehumidifier alone to season the wood. You can use a dehumidifier in one of two ways: either to remove environmental humidity before you set up the fan or in combination with a fan.
When Do You Use a Fan and Dehumidifier Together?
When humidity is brief or temporary, use the dehumidifier first until the air reaches the right percentage of moisture. Then put the fan onto the wood pile.
Using a fan and a dehumidifier simultaneously is good for when humidity will linger because of wet weather or a humid time of year.
Can You Use an Electric Heater to Dry Firewood?
You can use a heater to dry firewood, but like a dehumidifier, you will have to use it in conjunction with a fan. Actually, if a dehumidifier isn’t going to be an economical option, using an electric heater or keeping the pile near an area where heat emits will be ideal.
What Are the Precautions With Using an Electric Heater to Dry Firewood?
Do not put the pile of wood on top of an electric heater and don’t let an exorbitant amount of heat blow right onto the pile. You only want to dry the wood, not set it alight. The heat source should be near enough to be effective in drying the pile.
It’s best if you can angle the fan in the direction of the wood so as to waft heat and air at the same time. This will help speed things along to a great degree. But, you always want to be smart and cautious so as not to create an unwanted fire that can run you out of house and home.
Is There a Fast Way to Season Firewood Outside Without a Fan?
The best way to dry wood is outside, allowing the sun and wind to do its thing over the course of six to nine months or longer. The wood is then stored so it stays dry until ready for use.
If you need to use the wood sooner than that and you don’t have the luxury of a fan, electric heater or humidifier, there’s one thing you can do to slightly speed up the process.
How Do You Speed up Natural Drying?
Cut the wood into small to mid-sized chunks and pieces. Wood will always dry faster when you can expose as much of it as possible. But, you want to make sure the pieces are big enough to maintain a good, roaring fire.
With some twine or rope, make bundles of wood. Then hang these bundles from a tree or other contraption to completely suspend the wood in the air. But, this will only work if you cover the wood every time it’s about to precipitate and remove the cover when dry, windy and sunny.
How Fast Will the Wood Dry When Hanging It?
Although not as fast an electric-powered appliance, it will reduce the seasoning time by a month or two. As a general rule, cut up softwoods in smaller chunks than hardwoods. This is because softwoods tend to hold more water and sap than hardwoods.
How Do You Know When the Wood Is Dry Enough to Burn?
When we’re in a hurry to get firewood, the best way to know its all dry is by using a moisture meter. These determine how much resistance is in the wood, which is an indicator of moisture. Fresh cut wood will have 50% or more moisture content and is not good or recommended for burning.
Should You Burn Wet or Green Wood?
Wet wood will rarely ever light. In the chance it does, not only does it present a dangerous fire hazard, it won’t be very efficient. It will burn slow and uneven while presenting a show of sparks that includes hot, spewing coals.
This is because the pressure of the moisture in the wood against the pulp builds up with heat. Such pressurized energy will need eventual release. There’s no way of knowing how, when or in which direction it will go.
How Much Moisture Should Firewood Have Before Burning It?
20% or less moisture content is ideal for use as firewood. You might be okay at 30% depending on the type of wood, but you do run the risk of pops, sparks and explosions. What’s more, burning wood over 30% will cause thick, billowing smoke resulting in creosote clogging up your flu and chimney.
Final Thoughts
If and when possible, always opt for a natural means of seasoning firewood. The sun, wind and other elements are always going to be best for this. But sometimes, we need the wood faster because we fall behind schedule or the wood pile we’ve already dried gets wet again.
Under these circumstances, we can use a fan in combination with a humidifier or an electric heater to speed up the process. This will shorten the drying time to a matter of weeks rather than almost a year. But, these kinds of appliances may not be wise for our budget, especially the dehumidifier.
Using things like a hygrometer and moisture meter will help you determine the humidity of the room and wood, respectively. The idea is to get the driest wood possible in the least amount of time without using up too many extraneous resources.
