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Cozying up to an open fire in your living room or on your patio can be one of the most pleasant parts of autumn and winter. The way to burn wood efficiently would be to control the burn and capture the heat with a wood burning insert or free standing stove.  You can get a fire roaring like an expert with just a little knowledge and the right firewood. Here’s a quick guide to picking quality firewood for your home fireplace. 

The Basics 

When it comes to picking firewood, there are a few basic terms you need to be familiar with. Seasoned wood refers to wood that has been split and dried under a cover for at least six months. This gives the wood plenty of time to dry out before burning. Wood that has just been cut fresh is full of water, and burning it in your fireplace will give you plenty of steam but not much heat.

fireplaceTwo other common types of firewood are hardwoods and softwoods. These terms refer to the different densities of various types of firewood. A hard wood, like oak or elm, is going to burn longer with more heat. Soft woods, like pine and spruce, burn quickly without a lot of heat, which makes them good for kindling. 

Types of Firewood 

When picking wood for your fireplace, opt for wood that gives off the least amount of smoke. A pleasant aroma is also desirable.

Apple wood is an excellent choice, as it burns slow and has an appealing smell. Cherry wood has the same qualities as apple, but it needs to be seasoned for a longer period of time. Maple, walnut, and oak are popular hardwood picks that are easy to find. Walnut burns for a long time with very little smoke, making it ideal for indoor fireplace burning. Elm and beech are high burning woods that put off a lot of heat for very cold nights. Pine is found almost everywhere, but it burns fast, and can create creosote which can build up in your flue, so use it only as a starter wood. The most reliable source of pine for fire starting is shipping pallets, which many stores are pleased to have you take for them. 

When purchasing wood for your home use, meet the delivery driver and check the load before it is dumped.   The wood should be split into halfs or quarters, feel lighter than you expect and display cracks in the ends from the drying process.  If you don’t feel it is well seasoned, send it back! 

 

 

Cricket on the Hearth in Rochester, NY, has over 50 years of experience helping clients stay warm and cozy. Visit their extensive showroom to see the latest models in wood stoves, gas stoves, and gas fireplaces. Find the latest Blaze King® and Jotul® products, along with a wide variety of other quality name brands. They also offer a selection of quality wooden swing and playground sets. For more information or to visit their showroom, call (585) 385-2420 or visit them online today. 

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