Getting the Most Out Of Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

What would a snowy day be without the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace? The comfort and ambiance that is felt when sipping a beverage on a comfy couch and wrapped in a wooly blanket is like no other, without the smell of a wood-burning fireplace.

With the comfort, there is a cost. Are you afraid that along with the heat and smoke that goes up your chimney, the heat from your home is as well? You will want to make sure your wood-burning fire is burning in the most efficient way.

Let’s take a look at a few ideas to save you.

Building A Fire

It is essential to properly build your fire. Start with small kindling and establish hot coals. As the fire gets hotter and hotter add more wood. Once your fire is burning, add a couple of large pieces of wood, then add two large pieces in a crisscross manner.

Add A Fire Back

A plate made of cast iron that sits alone on the back of your firebox. It sends the heat outward and prevents the heat from going up the chimney. A Fire Back will also protect the back of your fireplace. By adding a Fire Back, 20-25% of the heat that normally goes up your chimney will stay in the room.

Fireplace Insert

A fireplace insert works to heat the room. The insert is insulated and has vents to send heat from the fire out into the room. You can find all types of inserts to choose from. Contact our very educated staff to help with that decision.

Removing Ash

Remove the ash that accumulates in the fireplace. You will have a better fire outcome by removing the ash. It’s a good idea to clean out the ash after each fire. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours to make sure that the fire has cooled down.

Use the Best Wood

It is important to use well-seasoned wood. The dryer the better. Also when choosing wood, choose a hard wood. You will get a longer burn from hardwood like oak or ash.

Andiron vs. Grate

An andiron will allow more airflow around your logs in the fireplace. The air circulates under the firewood, allowing better burning and less smoke. Andirons are typically made of metal and are thicker than grates. They tend to last longer because of this reason.

If you follow these simple steps you will get the most out of your wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy the upcoming burning season.

You can rely on the professionals at Chimney Solutions of Indiana

Our technicians are professionals. At Chimney Solutions of Indiana, we are experienced in all aspects of chimneys. They can provide information on all the services that we perform. You can ask them about inserting chimney caps and crowns, chimney lining, as well as any masonry work.

Ready to get started? Call Chimney Solutions of Indiana at 317-757-6979 or request an appointment via our contact form.