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Start Your Fire With Softwood Kindling
Softwoods (pine, fir) are generally low in density,
ignite easily, burn fast and hot and will heat the
firebox and flue quickly. They are ideal for kindling
and starting your fires, but form creosote easily
due to the high resin (sap) content.
Burn Longer and Cleaner With Hardwood
Hardwoods (oak, cherry) are denser and take
longer to ignite, but burn slower and more evenly,
producing less smoke. They also provide more
heat energy than softwood logs of the same size.
Burn Only "Seasoned" Firewood
Firewood should dry, or "season" a minimum of 6 to 12
months after splitting. Hardwoods dry more slowly than
softwoods and may take over a year to dry. Seasoned
firewood by definition contains 20 percent moisture or
less by weight. Wood dries faster in a warmer storage
area with more air circulation.
Speed Drying.
Split and Stack logs dry from the outside in, so split
big logs right away for faster drying. Stack loosely in a
crosswise fashion to get good air circulation.
Store High & Dry stack a foot or more above the ground
and away from buildings in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
Cover the top to keep dew and rain off the wood, but leave
the sides open to breezes.
Be Careful when Buying Wood Advertised as "Seasoned". Look for:
* Dark colored, cracked ends, with cracks radiating
from the center like bicycle spokes.
* Light in weight, meaning there is little moisture left;
hardwood logs will weigh more than softwood
* Sound - Hit two pieces together. Wet wood makes
a dull "thud" sound. Dry wood rings with a resonant
"crack," like a bat hitting a baseball.
* Easily peeled or broken bark. No green should
show under the bark.
Build a Small, HOT Fire First.....
* Open Damper Wide - allow in maximum air to fuel the
fire.
* Start Small and Hot - Crumple a few sheets of newspaper
and add some small pieces of kindling, then light. Add
bigger kindling a few at a time as the fire grows. Get it
burning briskly to form a bed of hot coals. Now add 2
or 3 logs.
* Position the next logs carefully - place logs close
enough together to keep each other hot, but far apart
enough to let sufficient air (oxygen) move between
them.
Don't Burn Anything but Clean, Seasoned
Wood, Fireplace Logs, and Non-glossy White Paper
- No Garbage
- No Plastics
- No Rubber
- No Waste
- No Particleboard
- No Plywood
- No Glossy Paper
- No Colored Paper
- No Solvent or Paint
- No Oil
- No Coal or Charcoal
- No Painted/ Treated Wood
Burning these materials can produce noxious, corrosive smoke
and fumes that may be toxic. They can foul your catalytic
combustor, your flue, and the lungs of your family and neighbors.
Warning: Kiln-Dried Lumber vaporizes too
rapidly, causing creosote buildup.
Overnight Heating
When using an open fireplace, DO NOT burn overnight
unattended - it's a major fire hazard. This can also lead
to a back draft of the smoke into your own home,
causing very hazardous indoor air pollution.
Build a small, hot fire and let it burn out completely. Rely
on your home's insulation to hold in enough heat for the
night. When the fire is out, close the damper tightly.
Maintain Your Fire Properly.
Do Not Close the Damper or Air Inlets Too Tightly -
The fire will smoke from lack of air.
Inspection and Upkeep - For Safety's Sake
Periodic inspection of your wood stove or fireplace is essential to ensuring its continued safe and
clean-burning operation. Keep in mind the following points when performing your fireplace inspection:
* Chimney Caps can be plugged by debris, which
will reduce draft.
*Chimneys should be cleaned professionally at
least once a year to remove creosote buildup.
Remember : Creosote can fuel a chimney fire
that can burn down your house!
If you have any questions feel free to ask us, we will respond as promptly as possible.
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