There are many ways to heat your home in the dead of winter, when both days and nights can be bitterly cold. Lots of people have central heating units, or they use oil or propane to run heaters to keep their families toasty. These are all great ways to get some heat, but there is nothing quite like a roaring chimney fire to make your house feel warm, cozy and even romantic. To make a proper fire for heat or setting a mood, you will need to use the right kind of hardwood firewood.
There are both hardwoods and softwoods that can be lit for fires, but they are not the same. Softwoods do not burn as long because they are less dense, so these are better for campfires. Hardwood, on the other hand, is quite dense. This means that it is heavier and weighs more, so keep that in mind when buying, as you will have to lug some heavy logs home. Of course, many sellers have a delivery service to do all the heavy lifting for you.
The higher density of hardwood means that it forms large, glowing coals that burn hot and last a long time. Since they take sometimes hours to burn out, they are great for using overnight or for really cold days where you need longer lasting fires to keep warm.
One of the most popular types is oak, because it is very hard, solid, and burns a long time. Birch is easy to get and may be the most cost effective, and maple is also a popular choice in areas where maple trees are prevalent.
There are some other trees that have hard, dense trunks but are considered specialty woods, so cost a bit more. Mesquite is one example, and it is in demand because it also lends great flavor to food for those who like to use it for BBQs. The same goes for hickory, as well as apple and cherry wood.
When you are ready to buy logs to take home and build fires, you want to look out for a few specific things. First, a length of about 14 to 16 inches is ideal, as this spans the length of most chimneys. You also want pieces that are in a quarter split, because that is easier to ignite but still lasts a long time.
You also want to make sure the wood has been seasoned. This means that it has been split and left to dry for months. You really want it to be seasoned for at least 18 months, but preferably close to two years. The reason is that there is a lot of water in the trunk of a tree. That moisture means that when you light it up, the fire will smoke a lot, which can be hazardous for indoor fires. Pieces that are properly dried produce far less smoke and are therefore more safe.
No matter how high the quality of your firewood, do not forget the kindling. These are smaller pieces or branches that ignite quickly and help light the larger logs. You can usually buy these where you buy your firewood.
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