It’s getting chilly out there! As we all rush to hear the roar of our fireplaces, there are some top tips to consider to ensure you have a warm and cozy home. The Firewood Company looks at the top mistakes when it comes to firewood.
A few things can leave you with an inefficient and lackluster fire, from wet wood to not storing your fire correctly and overloading your fireplace. When it comes to fireplaces, ensuring you get ample heat is essential. This not only guarantees a warm home, but it will also allow you to burn your wood more efficiently while also cutting down on smokey chimneys.
Ignoring Moisture Content
Moisture content matters when it comes to your firewood. You must make sure that your firewood is correctly seasoned and dry. Using wet or green firewood will not create a roaring fire. However, it will create one thing – smoke and lots of it. Burning damp wood will also block chimneys easily. In New Zealand, the ideal moisture content for firewood is typically around 20% or lower.
Improper Storage Practices
Nothing is more unsatisfying than being prepared early for winter, only to head to your firewood shed to realize the wood has not been correctly stored – cue the rot and mold. Storing your firewood correctly is paramount to ensure it stays dry and continues to season (if required). Woodsheds should be open to allow good airflow and sunlight. Positioning and correct stacking practices can be fundamental.
Insufficient Seasoning Time
With the cost of living affecting us all, it is understandable that many are sourcing free firewood. However, this can come at the risk of attempting to burn unseasoned wood. Wood can take a long time to season, even in the right conditions. Different woods – hardwoods and softwoods – take sustainably longer times and processes to season. It is imperative to the health of your fireplace and the environment that you only burn well-seasoned dry wood.
Using Inappropriate Wood Types
It is also important to only burn wood that is suitable for fireplaces. Treated timber and driftwood are not advisable due to the chemicals they emit. It is also a good idea to have a decent mix of hardwoods and softwoods for burning to allow for a long hot burn. Consider starting your fire with a softwood such as pine, then once you have a good set of embers, pop on some hardwood such as gum for a long hot burn.
Overloading the Fireplace
Overloading a fireplace with wood can lead to various consequences, both in terms of safety and efficiency. When a fireplace is overloaded with wood, there may not be enough space for proper airflow. Adequate airflow is crucial for efficient combustion and a clean-burning fire. Insufficient airflow can result in incomplete combustion, leading to increased smoke production and creosote build-up in the chimney. Your fireplace may also require more work to start and maintain. Fires need adequate oxygen to burn an overloaded fireplace may restrict oxygen leading to a fire that will not catch or will keep going out. It will also limit the heat flow, leading to an inefficient fire. Overloading can also lead to damage to the firebox and the fire tiles inside your fireplace.
Neglecting Chimney and Flue Maintenance
When the colder weather makes way for warmer pleasant nights, many forget about the yearly maintenance until the chill returns. It is essential to regularly maintain your fireplace during and after the season to ensure it is kept safe and able to work efficiently. Chimney cleaning and checking for any signs of stress or damage are important. Calling in professionals for a good chimney sweep is also highly advisable.
Disregarding Fire Safety Precautions
All homes, regardless of whether they have fireplaces, need the correct amount of working smoke detectors. Always check your smoke detectors regularly and replace them if required. Also, keeping the area around the fireplace clear and clean is essential to keeping you and your family safe. This also is important for your pets.
Neglecting Environmental Considerations
It’s an excellent plan only to source your firewood from a reputable sustainable firewood supplier and burn clean, dry, and well-seasoned wood. By doing this, you are ensuring your heating source is eco-friendly. Firewood is carbon neutral when sourced and burnt correctly.
Got your wood yet? You know who to call.
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