Frequently Asked Questions About Firewood
Q: How does burning firewood effect our environment?
Answer: According to Chimney Safety Institute of America that unlike the burning of fossil fuels like gas or oil, which many believe to be upsetting our climate for the worst, burning firewood releases no more harmful greenhouse gases than would be produced were the wood to simply rot on the forest floor. If we are responsible in the ways we select, cut, and burn our firewood, wood burning can actually be the correct choice for the environment too.
Q: How do I properly start a fire?
Answer: To start a fire you should start by placing some crumpled newspaper on the rack, then place some kindling wood or fat wood (preferred) surrounding the newspaper. Light the newspaper, allow it to burn itself out while catching the kindling wood (or fat wood) on fire. As the flames progress place a log in the fire, try to use thinner logs at first then build up to the larger pieces.
Q:How do I build a better fire?
Answer: Before lighting a fire, make sure the thermostat is turned down so air heated by the central furnace will not go up the chimney. The easiest and best fire for either a stove or fireplace is achieved with a mixture of softwoods for easy igniting with hardwoods for longer burning and good coaling qualities. A cardinal rule of fireplace management is to keep a thick bed for glowing coals that drop through. The coals yield a steady heat and aid in igniting fresh fuel as it is added. Keep the fire burning by adding small amounts of wood at regular intervals. A small, hot fire is much better than a large, roaring blaze because it burns more completely and produces less creosote.
Q: Should the wood be covered?
Answer: No, covering the firewood traps moisture, promotes mildew and attracts insects. Covering the wood should only be permitted if it will rain.
Q: Where should I store the wood?
Answer: You can store the wood outside or inside. It is best to let the fresh air get to the wood to keep it dry; only cover the wood if it is going to rain. If you can not store it outside that is O.K.! Storing wood inside will keep the wood dry as well as insect free. Many of our customers keep wood in a wood shed or outside on a wood rack.
Q: How long are the logs?
Answer: Generally 18 - 20 inches.
Q: How much wood do I order?
Answer: Our average customer burns 1 cord per season which is about 3 to 4 times per week give or take during the winter months.
*log lengths may be cut shorter or longer upon request. Click here to contact us.
Q: How often should the chimney be cleaned?
Answer:
This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
In Arizona we recommend you clean your chimney every 2 to 3 cords of wood burned.
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Q. My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?
Answer:
The smell is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a natural byproduct of wood burning. The odor is usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high and the air conditioner is turned on. A good cleaning will help but usually won't solve the problem completely. There are commercial chimney deodorants that work pretty well, and many people have good results with baking soda or even kitty litter set in the fireplace. The real problem is the air being drawn down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems in the house. Some make-up air should be introduced somewhere else in the house. A tight sealing, top mounted damper will also reduce this air flow coming down the chimney.
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