Perhaps one of the most overlooked topics when it comes to fireplace or wood-burning stove safety and proper usage is what is the best wood to burn. A Barnegat Chimney Service expert describes what to look for and what to avoid when deciding what to burn in your fireplace or stove. When inappropriate items or incorrect wood is burned, it can lead to many issues for your chimney so it is of utmost importance to only use appropriate items
Which Wood is Right?
There are two general types of wood: Hardwood and softwood. Some of the most common North American hardwood trees are birch, cherry, and oak. Some common softwood trees are fir, cedar, and redwood. Depending on what you are using the wood for determines which wood is best. Hardwoods grow very slowly making them very dense. The denseness makes them burn hot for a long period of time without an excess of sparks or smoke. Hardwood produces more BTU’s per piece of wood than less dense softwoods. Due to the large flames and how quickly softwoods burn, they are more suited for campfires and kindling. They are not best for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves because the fires made produce a large amount of smoke and the fuel needs to be replaced much more often when burning softwoods.
Barnegat Chimney Service Technicians Recommend Hardwood
Typically, hardwood is the preferred wood to use in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Due to the denseness of the wood, it allows the fire to last a lot longer in comparison to a fire made of softwood. If you were to burn a piece of softwood and a piece of hardwood that is similar in size, the length of time the hardwood log will burn will be significantly longer. Plus, the result of burning hardwoods also creates hot coals which produce radiant heat helping to keep the surrounding area warm even if the fire has dwindled. The coals also make the fire much easier to relight if necessary. Hardwoods are the top choice for fireplaces because of the long-lasting fires and the low output of smoke.
What to Avoid
It is important to know what to burn, but it may be more important to know what not to. It is tempting to use your fireplace or wood-burning stove as a place to incinerate trash and other combustible items, but it is very unsafe and detrimental to your chimney to do so. Avoid using green wood, otherwise known as unseasoned wood, painted, treated, and driftwood. Avoid burning trash, any colored paper including wrapping paper, Christmas trees, and dryer lint. All these items can emit chemicals when burned, putting you and your family at risk.
Ask a Barnegat Chimney Service Company if you are Unsure
When in doubt, ask. Get in touch with a Barnegat Chimney Service company if you are unsure if you are using your fireplace correctly. When you burn incorrect fuel in your fireplace or wood-burning stove, you could be putting your family at risk of breathing in carcinogens. It is better to ask before you do damage to your chimney or worse yet, cause a chimney fire by using inappropriate fuel in your fire.
The Importance of Properly Seasoned Firewood
Even if you choose the right type of wood, how you prepare and store it plays a crucial role in fireplace safety and efficiency. Seasoned firewood, which has been properly dried over time, is the best choice for burning. Freshly cut wood, also known as green wood, contains a high moisture content that results in excessive smoke, lower heat output, and a greater buildup of creosote in your chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that increases the risk of chimney fires if not regularly cleaned.
How to Identify Seasoned Firewood
Seasoned firewood typically has a moisture content of less than 20%. You can tell if wood is well-seasoned by looking for signs such as cracks in the ends, a grayish appearance, and a hollow sound when you knock two pieces together. Additionally, seasoned wood is significantly lighter in weight compared to freshly cut logs. If you are unsure about the moisture content of your firewood, using a moisture meter can provide an accurate reading.
Best Practices for Storing Firewood
Proper storage is essential to maintaining well-seasoned firewood. Always keep your woodpile off the ground by stacking logs on a raised platform or firewood rack. Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area. Ideally, cover the wood with a tarp or shelter that allows for air circulation while keeping out excess moisture. Avoid stacking firewood directly against your house, as it can attract pests such as termites and rodents.
By burning only well-seasoned hardwoods and following proper storage methods, you can ensure a cleaner, hotter, and safer fire. If you have concerns about the quality of your firewood or how it may affect your chimney, consulting a Barnegat Chimney Service professional. They can help you make the best choices for safe and efficient burning.
