Select Seasoned Hardwood
Seasoned hardwood like oak, maple, and ash is ideal for burning because it produces less smoke and creosote. Make sure the wood has been dried for at least six months to a year, as properly seasoned wood has a lower moisture content.
When a wood has low moisture, it burns hotter and more efficiently, reducing the chances of creosote buildup in your chimney flue, which results from cooler fires caused by wet or green wood.
Avoid Softwoods and Green Wood
Softwoods such as pine and green, unstaged wood contain higher moisture content, which leads to more smoke and slower burns. This results in higher creosote formation inside your flue.
If you do need to burn softer woods, mixing them with seasoned hardwood can help mitigate some of the creosote production, though it's best to prioritize burning seasoned hardwood when possible.
Storage Tips for Firewood
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your firewood dry. Stack your wood off the ground and cover it with a tarp, ensuring the sides are open to allow air circulation.
Storing wood in a sunny spot and keeping it protected from rain and snow will help it dry faster, making it ready for use as cleaner-burning fuel by the next season.