A wood-burning stove or fireplace adds a decorative touch to a room and can provide a warm, cozy area for family to gather. But many people do not always use their wood-burning appliances properly, which can lead to dangerous conditions as well as reduced efficiency. Responsible wood-burning stove and fireplace owners are conscious of the type of wood they burn, the way they build a fire, and how often they schedule service. See why this is in our guide.
Schedule Regular Inspections and Cleaning
You absolutely must schedule chimney cleaning each year if you have a wood burning stove or fireplace in your home. The risk of a chimney fire is not worth what you’ll save by neglecting this service. Springtime presents the perfect opportunity to schedule this service, so call an expert today if you haven’t already.
Burn the Right Firewood
We feel it is important to mention here that you should never burn anything other than wood in your wood stove or fireplace (though you should start a fire with newspaper or dry kindling). You should also stay far away from any wood that has been treated or painted, as these can emit toxins into your home. Only buy seasoned wood, meaning firewood that has had plenty of time to dry, or season wood yourself by storing it in a dry, covered area for 6 months or longer.
Build the Fire Efficiently
Installing an efficient, EPA-approved wood-burning appliance is a great step towards environmentally-friendly burning, but the way you build your fire is also of importance. Small, hot fires are much more efficient than large, slow, smoldering fires, so do not build your fire any larger than what is needed for the space. Remove ash as needed to maintain airflow, but not too often, as a small layer of ash helps to build a fire the next time.
Call the chimney and fireplace specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for a wood fireplace insert, wood stove installation, or maintenance in the St. Paul, MN area.