A crackling fire on a cool fall or winter evening sets a beautiful aesthetic in any home. Once a fire gets going, it seems to draw family members together in a hurry, as everyone gathers around and takes advantage of the warm and cozy atmosphere the wood-burning unit has created.
That is, unless the firewood is creating some unpleasant effects. Using unseasoned firewood can trigger lots of issues like excess smoke, less heat, and more creosote accumulation (which can then trigger unpleasant odors and structural issues). All in all, it’s well worth it to either season your own wood pile or take the time necessary to examine the wood you purchase, ensuring it’s adequately dried out and ready to burn.
Why do issues occur with unseasoned wood? Well, the fresher the log is, the more water it will contain, meaning your fire has to put in a lot of extra work and energy to burn out all that extra moisture. This takes time and it causes a lot of acidic water to be sent through your chimney, which isn’t good for your chimney’s health
Along with this, burning wood with lots of moisture also makes your fireplace experience less than ideal. Learn more about how to differentiate between seasoned and unseasoned wood by reading below, or you can feel free to contact our staff here at Lords Chimney with any questions. We’re always happy to help you create a more enjoyable burning season!
Seasoned Vs. Unseasoned Wood
If you’re purchasing wood to burn, there are a few key characteristics to note before making any final decisions. First off, check the length of the wood. If it’s cut short, that’s a good sign that the person seasoning it knew what they were doing. The less mass, the less water there is, ensuring it drys out faster. Splitting the ends also speeds up this process, so look for that, too.
Noting the color and weight of the wood is a wise step, too. Fresh wood is still vibrant-looking and has a pleasant aroma. Wood that has been sitting for some time is typically faded and darker in color. Also, when you lift it will feel lighter in weight, since most of the water is evaporated. Try hitting two pieces together. If they sound hollow, they’ve been seasoned. If they make a duller, thud-like noise, they likely need more time on the wood pile.
Storing Your Own?
Obviously, the most surefire way to get exactly what you want from the wood you burn is to season your own. Store it in a place that is open, yet protected, such as a wood shed with open sides and a sturdy roof, and let it sit for at least six months before putting it to use. Ensure the pieces are cut short and split on the ends to get things moving faster.
Call On Us For All Of Your Fireplace Maintenance
If your wood pile is ready to go, and you’re ready to put your system to use, call us in for your annual inspection. Our team is CSIA certified and ready to serve, guaranteeing you a safer and better functioning system every single year. There’s no time to lose – call today!