Burning firewood that keeps your flue cleaner

The Importance of Dry Firewood

Burning dry, well-seasoned firewood is key to minimizing creosote buildup in your chimney flue. Green or wet wood burns inefficiently, producing more smoke and creosote deposits.

Make sure your firewood has been seasoned for at least six months. Properly seasoned wood is lighter in weight, has a darker color, and usually exhibits cracks in the end grain.

Types of Wood to Burn

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are ideal choices for burning. These woods burn hotter and cleaner than softwoods, producing less creosote and more heat per cord.

Avoid burning softwoods like pine, as they contain more sap and resin, leading to more smoke and creosote. Reserve softwoods for kindling or quick fires rather than long-term heating.

Storage and Stacking Tips

Proper storage of firewood is essential to keep it dry and ready for burning. Stack your wood off the ground and cover the top to protect it from rain while leaving the sides open for air circulation.

Stack firewood away from your home to reduce the risk of pests and always rotate your woodpile with older wood in the front for easy access.