Nothing contributes to the cozy ambiance of home quite like a warming fire. Even better, though, is a fire that actually smells good when it’s burning. Wood bears a very distinctive aroma, and some actually emanate a more pleasant scent than others. How can you be certain your fireplace will emit a glow that’s as fragrant as it is bright? Consider these options from the chimney sweeps at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry. Based in New Richmond, OH, the company specializes in your chimney’s good health — and they want to help you enjoy it as best as possible.

In particular, they suggest seasoned wood if you’re in search of something that produces a memorable scent. Seasoned wood stands tall above the competition for its incredible fragrance. The difference is that seasoned wood isn’t cut fresh from the tree — it’s not “green.” Instead, it has a chance to cure and dry so that it burns especially well in a fireplace.

There are many varieties available, but the key is to select one that’s seasoned for at least a year. Some varieties smell even better when they’re seasoned for up to two or more years. Notable seasoned varieties include aromatic red cedar, which produces a heady scent that lasts; camphor, which has a powerful medicinal aroma; and sandalwood, which is a rich, perfumed fragrance.

If you favor lighter scents, consider woods like apple or cherry. They’re sweet and warm, especially when they’re seasoned for a while, and they are an especially good choice for cooking in a wood stove. Since they burn slowly, their scent permeates the air and has the ability to linger for hours. If you prefer natural, woody fragrances reminiscent of the great outdoors, stick to earthy woods like maple, oak, and walnut.

There’s no dearth of options available for fireplaces and wood stoves, particularly if your goal is to fill your home with a fragrant aroma that captures the cozy spirit of the season. Before you use your fireplace, though, have a chimney sweep perform a thorough inspection to ensure your safety. Once it’s given the all clear, you can enjoy a warm glow and delicious scents throughout the season.

If you’re ready to use your fireplace, get in touch with the chimney sweeps at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry. You can visit their Facebook page to learn more about their fireplace cleaning services, or call (513) 553-0229 to speak with a representative today.