As we cherish the last few warm days of summer, homeowners must start thinking about preparing their homes for fall. Prepping for the chillier season means winterizing faucets, having your furnace inspected, and sweeping your chimney so you can start enjoying evenings by the fireplace.
As important as the condition of your fireplace is to a safe, successful fire, just as vital is the condition of your firewood. Read these tips on firewood storage to ensure you’re prepared for your first roaring fire of the season:
- Buy Seasoned Wood from Hardwood Trees. Maple, oak, and chestnut trees are very dense in their composition, so they burn well and give off the least amount of smoke and sparks. These types of wood are safer to burn in your home and will last longer in the fireplace than other types of wood.
- Stack it ASAP. Stacking the wood allows it to remain dry and in optimal condition for burning. Wet wood does not burn as efficiently, and can fill your house with smoke. Protect your family and your home by burning properly dried firewood.
- Utilize pallets. For easy access, keep a small amount of wood on a pallet about 30 feet from your home, as bugs like to live in and around wood piles. Keep the remainder of the wood on another pallet in your home and refill your stack as needed. Avoid storing the wood directly on the ground, as this encourages moisture. Only cover the wood pile with a tarp if it is already dry. Trapping moist wood beneath a tarp seals in the moisture and could cause issues when you’re ready to start a fire.
- Rotate regularly. Insects like to burrow under bark and remain dormant until wood is brought into a home. For this reason, you should always burn the oldest wood first so that pests can’t get too comfy in your woodpile.
Save money on your energy bills and heat your home with firewood. Contact Clauser Tree Care for firewood delivery throughout Montgomery County PA. Clauser’s firewood is perfectly seasoned, dry, and ready to burn upon arrival!