State supplies libraries with free moisture meters to test firewood
January 3, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout Vermonters who heat with wood now have access to a handy tool to determine whether their firewood is sufficiently dry and ready to burn.
The moisture level near the middle of a piece of firewood is measured on a freshly split face by pressing the pins on the meter into the wood. Firewood should register below 20% moisture content to burn cleanly and efficiently. Photo courtesy Vt. Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Thanks to a program from the state Departments of Libraries and Environmental Conservation, free moisture meters are available at 63 public libraries around the state, including Waterbury, Warren, Stowe and Richmond.
The small, hand-held device can tell you if firewood is dry (with 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, according to environmental experts.
Fine particle pollution consists of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as PM2.5. Fine particles are so small that 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.”
Find more information about the moisture meter loan program online, along with a full list of participating libraries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a video on how to use a moisture meter, as well as a fact sheet.
Other links with information on wood-burning, or resources on proper wood-burning practices, visit: