There is nothing quite like cozying up to a warm fireplace during the cold weather. But have you considered what kind of wood you should be burning in your fireplace? However, not all firewood produces the same results. You may have a need for firewood that crackles nicely, wood that burns efficiently while not putting off excessive heat, or firewood that provides the most heat per log. The secret to choosing suitable firewood is knowing about the different types of wood and how they burn. Here are a few tips for choosing the right wood for your fireplace.
Oak Firewood
This type of wood produces a slow-burning fire that lasts longer and burns more evenly and hotter. Additionally, oak is an environmentally friendly choice as it can be found almost anywhere. However, in order to burn well, oak needs to be seasoned properly, which means it needs to be dried for at least a year after cutting, so the sap can dry. Oak can also be a little harder to ignite, but you will be able to enjoy a lovely fire with some practice.
Fir
If you enjoy the relaxing sound of a crackling fire, fir is a great firewood choice. It is a softwood that dries quickly, splits evenly, and creates wonderful, crackling fires. The best part of fir fires is that they have a lovely fresh aroma which helps create a cozy ambiance for the holidays.
Birch Firewood
Birch gives off a beautiful flame, but unlike other types of wood, it burns quickly, so you will need to have more of it on hand to supply your fireplace. But, since hardwoods burn more slowly and thoroughly, you will have less to clean up to worry about once the fire is out and less chance of buildup in your chimney.
Maple Firewood
Maple can be found throughout the United States, so it is very plentiful. There are various types of maple wood, but it is a great choice for firewood regardless of its species. It produces a slow-burning fire because it is very dense and heavy. Soft maple is also a good choice for firewood as it is easy to burn with no heavy smoke.
No matter what type of firewood you burn, it’s important to get your chimney inspected annually. Contact us today to make sure your fireplace and chimney are safe!
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