### Understanding Wood Moisture Content
Wood moisture content (MC) refers to the amount of water present within a piece of wood, expressed as a percentage of its dry weight. It is a crucial factor that influences the wood’s properties and performance, making moisture mapping essential for ensuring optimal wood utilization.
### What is the Ideal Moisture Content for Firewood?
For optimal burning efficiency and reduced emissions, firewood typically requires a moisture content between 15% and 20%. This range allows for efficient combustion while minimizing the production of smoke and harmful pollutants. Higher moisture levels can result in incomplete combustion, releasing excessive smoke and reducing heat output. Conversely, excessively dry firewood burns too quickly, resulting in lower heat production and shorter burn times.