When you toss a seasoned pine cone into your wood stove, it will burn similarly to other pieces of seasoned wood. Here's what typically happens:
Ignition: The pine cone will catch fire quickly due to its dry and seasoned nature. Seasoned wood and pine cones have lower moisture content, which makes them easier to ignite compared to green or wet wood.
Combustion: As the pine cone burns, it will release heat energy and combustible gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other byproducts of combustion.
Flame and Smoke: The burning pine cone will produce flames and some smoke. However, seasoned wood, including pine cones, tends to produce less smoke than green wood because of its lower moisture content.
Residue: As the pine cone burns, it will leave behind ash, which is the non-combustible mineral content found in all wood. The amount of ash produced will depend on the size of the pine cone and its density.
Scent: Burning pine cones can release a pleasant aroma due to the natural resins and oils present in the wood. This aroma is often associated with a cozy and comforting atmosphere during the colder months.
It's important to note that while burning seasoned pine cones in a wood stove is generally safe, you should always be cautious about the materials you use in your stove. Avoid burning any treated wood, painted wood, or materials that could release toxic fumes when burned.
Additionally, using pine cones as a primary fuel source for a wood stove may not be as efficient as using regular seasoned firewood. Pine cones burn relatively quickly, so you may need to add more fuel more frequently compared to using larger pieces of firewood.
Overall, burning seasoned pine cones in a wood stove can be a nice addition for their pleasant aroma and supplemental heat, but they are best used as a complement to regular firewood rather than the sole fuel source. Always follow proper safety precautions when using a wood stove and ensure your stove is appropriate for burning pine cones or other materials besides firewood.