Wood Heating Tips

Stay Away from Processed Woods

• Particle board, plywood and MDF (medium density fiberboard) often contain chemicals or treatments unsafe for humans to breathe. Though most of the smoke leaves the wood stove through a vent or chimney, some smoke escapes into the home when wood is burned. Other items that should never be burned in a wood stove include plastics, treated paper and household trash.

Season Wood Before Burning

• Allow wood to cure or season for at least one year before burning in a wood stove or fireplace. Cured wood should have dry cracks in the surface. Ideal water moisture in wood should measure between 14 and 20 percent. If moisture levels are higher, wood burns less hot and produces more smoke. Burning wet wood causes build-up in the chimney liner that can lead to chimney fires and require more frequent cleanings.

Choose Wood Type Based on Weather

• Willow, pine and popular are light woods that burn faster than hardwoods like maple and oak. In early spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild but still chilly enough to necessitate a fire, use lighter woods like willow, pine and popular. These woods burn quickly and release less heat. During winter months when temperatures are cold, heavier hardwoods like maple and oak burn slowly and give off more heat. Lighter woods are often better to start fires in any season as they catch fire and burn quickly.

Allow the Fire to Burn Out Once a Day

• Burn fires for a maximum of eight hours before allowing wood to burn out. Burning out a fire may seem like a nuisance as the fire needs to be restarted soon after, but ash build-up must be cleaned regularly. Ash build-up inhibits proper placement of wood in a fireplace or wood stove. Wood burns at maximum heat between four and eight hours. Allowing wood to burn out every four to eight hours allows for easier heat maintenance. Constantly adding wood to a fire creates a large pile of coals that puts off a lot of heat. Rooms may get too warm, quickly.