Firewood Rotting: Without proper management, firewood can rot, rendering it useless and potentially causing mould and pest issues.
Inefficient Burning: Failing to rotate firewood could mean burning greener, less-seasoned wood, leading to poor combustion, more smoke, and less heat.
Missed Opportunity for Organising: Neglecting to use the FIFO method can create a disorganized woodshed
Increased Costs: Failing to stock up on firewood during off-season sales could lead to higher costs when winter arrives, and you need firewood the most.
Unprepared for Cold Snaps: Sudden cold snaps could leave you without well-seasoned firewood if you haven't planned ahead.
Moisture Build-up: Improperly stacked firewood can trap moisture, leading to slower seasoning times and mould, especially if firewood is stacked directly on the ground.
Last-Minute Rush for Firewood: Waiting too long to stock up can lead to panic buying during peak demand.
As spring settles in and the warmer days become more frequent, it's tempting to pack away thoughts of winter entirely. However, before you get too comfortable with the idea of sunshine and longer days, taking one last look at your firewood is essential. Rotating your firewood using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method can help prevent rot and ensure you're always burning the best wood. Now is the perfect time to prepare your woodshed for next season while using up those last few logs for any lingering chilly evenings.
The FIFO Method: Why Should I Use My Oldest Firewood First?
The FIFO method, a simple but effective way to manage your firewood, involves using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle. This means the firewood that has been stored for the longest time should be used first, ensuring that your woodpile remains fresh and ready for burning.
Here's why it matters:
Prevent Rotting: Firewood, especially if not properly seasoned or stacked, can rot if left unused for too long. Rotting wood is not only useless for burning but also attracts pests and can create mouldy conditions in your woodshed.
Maximising Efficiency: Well-seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, producing less smoke and more heat. The older the wood, the drier it is—making it the perfect candidate for your next fire. If you don't rotate your wood, you could end up using fresher, less-seasoned logs that won't burn as well.
Take advantage of the changing seasons by using up any older firewood during those final chilly nights of early spring. If you're not planning on burning any more fires until next winter, now is a great time to reorganise your woodshed by moving the oldest wood to the front. This ensures it's easily accessible when you're ready to use it, making room for a fresh stockpile.
How to Check if My Wood is Seasoned?
One key aspect of burning firewood efficiently is ensuring that it is properly seasoned. Understanding the difference between freshly cut wood, also known as 'green' wood, and well-seasoned wood can make you a more confident and knowledgeable firewood user.
Here are some quick tips for checking if your firewood is ready to burn:
Look for Cracks: Well-seasoned firewood often shows visible cracks or splits, especially on the ends of the logs.
Weight Test: Another way to check if your firewood is ready to burn is the weight test. Seasoned wood is much lighter than green wood, as much of the moisture has evaporated. Pick up a log and feel its weight; if it feels relatively light for its size, it's probably ready to burn.
Sound Test: Tap two logs together. If you hear a clear, hollow sound, the wood is seasoned. If the sound is more of a dull thud, the wood may still contain too much moisture.
Colour Check: As wood seasons, it tends to become darker or greyer than fresh-cut wood. This change in colour can be a good indicator of seasoning.
Why Should I Stock Up Now for Next Season?
Spring is also a fantastic time to prepare for next winter. By stocking up on firewood now, you can save money and avoid the last-minute rush when winter suddenly arrives, giving you a sense of preparedness and security.
Here's why it makes sense to prepare early:
Sales and Discounts: As demand for firewood decreases during the warmer months, many vendors lower their prices. This can be an excellent opportunity to buy in bulk at a lower cost.
Seasoning Time: If you purchase firewood now, you give it plenty of time to season over the next several months. The more time it spends drying out, the more efficient and cleaner it will burn come winter.
Prepare for Unexpected Cold Snaps: Even as spring progresses, New Zealand weather can still surprise us with late-season cold snaps. By ensuring you have a good stock of seasoned firewood on hand, you'll be ready for any last-minute chills that come your way.
How Do I Organise My Woodshed for Efficiency?
If you're buying new firewood, make sure to stack it so that the air can circulate, helping the wood dry faster. When organising your woodshed, stack the new wood behind the older logs so that you can continue to follow the FIFO method.
Stack Off the Ground
Use pallets or firewood racks to keep the wood off the ground and reduce moisture buildup.
Cover with a Breathable Tarp
Protect your firewood from the rain, but ensure that your cover allows air to circulate and doesn't trap moisture.
By taking these small steps now, you'll save time and effort when the cold season arrives again, ensuring your firewood is always ready to burn at peak efficiency.
Spring is the ideal time to rotate your firewood, use those older logs, and get organised for next winter. By following the FIFO method and checking that your wood is properly seasoned, you'll be set to enjoy efficient, warm fires when the cold returns. By stocking up early, you can take advantage of discounts and ensure that you're fully prepared for any unexpected cold spells or next winter's chill. Happy stacking!
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