REGION – With the home heating season here, you may be wondering if your firewood is dry and ready to burn. Vermonters can check out a moisture meter for free from one of 63 public libraries. This is thanks to a statewide loan program from the Departments of Libraries and Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Using this small, handheld device, you can make sure your firewood is dry (20% moisture or less) before burning. Dry, seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner than wet wood, saving both money and energy while making less smoke. During the wintertime, residential wood smoke is a main contributor to fine particle pollution, and is responsible for poor air quality days, especially on calm, clear, and cold winter nights.
Fine particle pollution consists of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as PM2.5. Fine particles are so small they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in scenic areas.
“To prevent poor air quality and safeguard public health, it is key to follow proper wood-burning practices,” said DEC Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. “Using dry, seasoned wood reduces smoke, cuts air emissions, and protects our families, neighbors, and the environment.”
You can find more information about the moisture meter loan program, and a list of participating libraries, online at www.dec.vermont.gov/node/18261/firewood-moisture-meter-loan-program. To learn how to use a moisture meter, check out the EPA’s video or fact sheet at www.epa.gov/burnwise.