Got Firewood?
Increasing energy costs means an increase in demand for firewood as a renewable home heating fuel. Mac Stringer, a local firewood supplier, offers these tips for homeowners heating with firewood.
-Whatever wood species you use, it will burn more efficiently and be more convenient to use if it is properly seasoned.
-Firewood should be processed in early spring to be ready for burning that fall.
-Piece length should be at least 3" shorter than the firebox.
-Never leave firewood in a pile on the ground for more than a couple of days. Wet wood on the ground quickly attracts bugs and mold.
-Wood should be stacked in an open area exposed to sun and wind.
-Green wood will not season properly in a wood shed or in deep shade.
-Stack wood on rails to keep it off the ground.
-Cover just the tops of firewood stacks.
-The ideal storage is close to, but not inside, the house.
-Avoid storing large amounts of wood in the house because mold spores and moisture can affect indoor air quality.
-Bring in wood to warm up before burning.
-Clean your chimney once a week by adding 2 TBS of salt to a burning fire.
