It is essential to know how to choose the proper kindling to get the most out of your fireplace.
There’s nothing better than warming up to a hot blazing fire on a cold winter day. But, creating the perfect winter scene means understanding the different types of firewood. For instance, burning green wood creates excess smoke, but little heat, and firewood containing bugs and sap can spell disaster if you’re not careful. It is essential to know how to choose the proper kindling to get the most out of your fireplace. Here are some tips for finding the best firewood for your fireplace.
Use Seasoned Wood
Well seasoned firewood is essential for a steady and even fire. Seasoned firewood has less moisture content than fresh-cut firewood, making it easier to start, produces more heat, and burns cleaner. It is important to have your firewood cut to length for six months or more before burning; this gives the water a chance to evaporate. A common method of seasoning wood is stacking it outdoors in a dry, sunny spot with good air circulation for approximately six months.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
The two basic types of firewood are softwood and hardwood. Softwoods, such as pines, spruces, and firs, burn quickly and give off less heat. The main benefit of softwood is that it lights very quickly because it’s less dense, making it an excellent kindling for any fire. On the other hand, hardwoods, like oaks, maples, and cedars, don’t start burning quite as fast but burn for a long time. Also, when compared to softwoods, they burn hotter and more steadily.
Building the Best Fire
To make the best fire, you should use a mix of hardwoods and softwoods. You can choose what wood species you want to burn, whether it be pine, spruce, maple, etc. The actual key to a perfect fire is ensuring your firewood is dry and seasoned compared to what type of wood you are burning. You can use the softer woods for kindling and burning during warmer temperatures when you only need a small amount of heat output and save the harder woods for the colder winter months.
Have you had your chimney inspected lately? You need to make sure your chimney is free of creosote and debris. Our professional chimney sweeps are here to help ensure that you can safely burn whichever type of firewood you prefer. Reach out to Champion Chimneys today!
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Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.