Winter is quickly approaching, and before you know it, you will be sitting in front of your fireplace enjoying a warm, beautiful fire. However, using the right firewood can make a huge difference on the efficiency of your fireplace. We at Aelite Chimney Specialties would like to share with you some tips on how to choose and store your firewood to help you achieve the best fires possible this season.

Plan Ahead.

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Thoughtful preparation of your firewood supply is crucial. You have many decisions to make in advance of the fireplace season, including obtaining your firewood (Will you cut the wood yourself, or will you be buying your firewood?), storing your firewood, and properly drying your firewood. A lot of people get a late start on gathering their wood fuel supply for the winter and end up having to use inferior firewood. Thinking about this important task in the spring and summer ensures you will have the best wood supply you can when you need it.

Investigate the Best Source for Your Firewood Supply.

If you plan on cutting your own wood, be sure you have the correct permits to do so on state-owned land if you do not own a woodlot. If you would rather buy firewood, ask your friends and family for recommendations for reliable wood vendors. Never order firewood over the phone or online as you need to see the vendor’s wood supply in person to be sure the wood is clean, dried, and properly sized.

Season Your Firewood.

The most important characteristic of good firewood is that the wood is dry and seasoned. According to Michigan State University, your firewood must be dry to burn efficiently and to maximize heat values. Burning wet, green wood is a waste of energy as the fire must evaporate all of the moisture before it can provide sufficient heat. Using green wood can also lead to the rapid development of large creosote deposits when the chimney stack temperatures are not hot enough, which leads creosote to condense. A highly flammable compound, creosote deposits are one of the main causes of chimney fires.

Stack Your Firewood Correctly to Aid the Seasoning Process.

The stacking method you choose to store your firewood will affect how quickly it dries. Never dead-pile your wood closely together as this prolongs seasoning. Using criss-crossed and open-spaced stacking methods will allow your wood to season faster. Also, know that the size of each piece of wood also makes a difference on how quickly it will dry.

Store Your Firewood Properly.

Your firewood should be protected from the weather by storing it off the ground and covering it with plastic or another weatherproof material, if you do not have a woodshed storage area. Seasoned wood can be ruined by exposure to rain and snow since wood easily absorbs and retains moisture.

Want to know more firewood burning and storing tips? Contact Aelite Chimney Specialties to ask our expert staff about more ways you can be prepared with the best supply of firewood.