A wood-burning fireplace provides endless comfort and warmth throughout the harsh winter months. However, if you’re not careful, burning firewood can quickly become damaging to the environment, releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your wood burning is both eco-friendly and efficient. The chimney repair experts at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry in New Richmond, OH, have shared some valuable insight into fostering an eco-friendly wood-burning fireplace this season.

Eco-Friendly Wood Burning Tips From Local Chimney Repair Experts

Burn Non-Toxic Materials & Seasoned Firewood

A substantial factor of eco-friendly wood burning is being mindful of the materials you’re burning. You should always burn non-toxic materials exclusively to avoid releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Burning treated wood, in particular, is especially damaging, as it releases toxins and volatile organic compounds into the environment.

You should also avoid burning materials such as cardboard, pallets, particle board, and driftwood. Driftwood, in particular, releases harmful chlorine gas as the sodium chloride is burned. You should also avoid burning unseasoned firewood, which releases the destructive greenhouse gases and nitrogen oxides. Look for wood that is dark or grayish in color, and avoid green-looking wood, which signifies it is young and unseasoned.

Practice Regular Chimney Maintenance

Another important factor in eco-friendly wood burning is regular chimney maintenance. In addition to promoting eco-friendly wood burning by eliminating particle emissions, regular maintenance will keep your fireplace efficient. During a typical maintenance procedure, a chimney sweep will look for signs of clogging, which can hinder the draft, as well as inspect for chimney damage causing excess moisture.

Burn Efficient Fires

Burning efficient fires is another effective way to promote eco-friendly wood burning. This involves creating fires that burn hotter and longer to more efficiently burn particulate matter and toxic combustion gases. To avoid inefficient fires, steer away from long-smoldering fires, which produce excess particulate matter and little heat. It’s also advisable to have a fireplace installed within your masonry fireplace. With this insert, you’ll greatly improve overall fireplace efficiency for complete combustion.

If you’re looking to practice eco-friendly wood burning this winter, put your trust in the chimney repair experts at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry in New Richmond. Specializing in everything from chimney inspection to fireplace cleaning and crown repair, they’ll ensure your wood-burning fireplace is running in an eco-friendly and efficient manner all season long. To arrange a chimney inspection and cleaning, give them a call today at (513) 553-0229. You can also find them on Google Plus.