1. Choose the Right Kind of Firewood
Always opt for firewood that has been seasoned, meaning it has a moisture content of 20-25%. Freshly chopped wood can be as much as 60% water and is not suitable for burning. To dry out your firewood, cut it into manageable pieces and stack it in a place where air can circulate freely. Keep it protected from the elements but not fully enclosed, as it needs air flow to dry properly. The seasoning process takes roughly 9-12 months, sometimes longer for hardwoods like red oak.
2. Recognize the Importance of Wood Gases
Once your firewood is properly dried, it will still contain resins that turn into combustible gases as the wood burns. Many modern stoves are designed to ignite these gases, significantly increasing the stove’s heating efficiency. Failing to burn these gases results in heat loss and increases the likelihood of creosote formation in your chimney.
3. Understand the Risks of Creosote
Creosote is a flammable byproduct of incomplete combustion. It can accumulate in your chimney and pose a fire risk. Creosote is formed by unburned wood particles and moisture from the exhaust gases that condense in the chimney. Its formation can be minimized by proper burning habits. Ensure that your stove has an ample oxygen supply to facilitate complete combustion, which will consume more of the wood particles and also help keep exhaust gases hot, reducing the likelihood of condensation and creosote buildup.
4. Maintain Your Chimney
Regular chimney inspection and cleaning are essential for safe wood burning. Aim to inspect your chimney after every 1.5 to 2 cords of wood burned. The time between inspections can be extended if you’re using an EPA-approved stove, as they are designed to minimize creosote formation. In cases of creosote buildup beyond 1/8″, cleaning is necessary. A proper chimney brush should be used to ensure all the creosote is removed.
Additional Notes
If you can’t find seasoned firewood, compressed sawdust logs are an acceptable alternative. Always avoid burning garbage or treated wood as they release harmful chemicals.
Should a chimney fire occur, immediately shut the stove’s air supply and call the fire department. Afterward, a thorough cleaning of the chimney is essential, and you should revisit your wood-burning habits to prevent future incidents.
