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The Benefits of Using Wood Burning Appliances

Homeowners across the nation and around the world prefer to have a fireplace, whether they’re renting, owning, or putting in a business. Installing a fireplace brings warmth and comfort to any space, and the magic of a fireplace is only made better when the fire is fueled by wood.

 

Why Choose WoodBenefits of Wood Burning - Suffolk, NY - Chief Chimney Services

Wood fires burn hotter than other fuel types while offering the beautiful yellow flame and crackling fire that every homeowner wants in a fire. A wood fire appliance is especially convenient for homeowners who own their own property with trees to cut themselves. When the wood is easily accessible, it’s an easy decision to make. What about those who don’t have trees to cut? Can they still burn wood? We say yes! Many of our customers who burn firewood do so by purchasing from a local supplier. It is possible to find properly seasoned firewood no matter where you live. You can pay to have it delivered, or can pick it up yourself. Just make sure you check out the wood before you make the purchase and that you’re getting what you pay for.

 

How Much Wood

In today’s economy, it’s rare to find a household which is solely heated with wood. It is more economical to use central heating. Many homeowners keep a fireplace and wood on hand for emergencies, for supplemental or zone heating, and for the ambiance of it. If you burn wood every day throughout winter, you might burn a cord every two weeks. If you burn sparingly, a cord may last all winter. Just be sure you budget appropriately and stay safe and warm, burning only seasoned firewood. Burning green or “wet” wood will lead to more creosote output and cause buildup and more frequent service appointments.

 

Wood-Burning Appliances and Services

Despite being one of the oldest methods of heating, wood fireplaces still require professional maintenance. They are not low-maintenance by any means, and only an experienced chimney professional should make installations, repairs, and routine and necessary maintenance.

Chief Chimney Services services wood fire appliances and fireplaces. If you live in our area and have a fireplace, look no further than Long Island’s #1 choice for comprehensive chimney care. Our staff of master masons, CSIA certified chimney sweeps, and fire experts are code compliant and field-trained. We specialize in historic chimneys, which are mostly wood-burning fireplaces, and can remodel, update, reface, and repair them with precision and ease.

Now is the time to have your wood-burning appliance serviced if you haven’t already. Most house fires occur during winter months. If you have a fire this year, don’t let it be from your chimney. Most chimney fires are 100% preventable and these routine services can save lives.

Schedule a chimney sweep to sweep away dangerous creosote and soot that can drop your efficiency and raise fire risk.
Schedule an inspection to have the chimney system inspected. Our certified sweeps will spot damage and hazards before your home is in danger, and make recommendations and repairs before your minor damage turns to winter damage.

Call and get on the books today at 631-863-2460

By John Pilger on December 28th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Using Wood Burning Appliances

Proper Use of a Wood-Burning Appliance

Winter is closing in fast, seeing as much of the country has already experienced the first snowfall of the season. With forecasts predicting a winter just as brutal as the last, people are thinking hard about how to stay warm. Jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves will suffice for being outside, but keeping warm inside requires something different. For homeowners utilizing wood-burning appliances, like stoves, fireplaces or furnaces, now is the time to start stocking up on fuel before it becomes too scarce.

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Types of Wood to Burn

Before even considering what species of tree you should choose to burn in the fireplace, the first trait of firewood to consider is its dryness. Dry firewood has gone through a “seasoning” process, meaning it has sat inside and been allowed to dry out for a set amount of time. Some wood only needs six months to season, while denser varieties can require up to two years to fully season. If the wood you bought was stacked outside, it likely contains a high water content, and that sets you up for cool, smoky fires.

The next factor to consider is the hardness of the wood. Do hardwoods or softwoods burn better? Naturally, that depends. Hardwoods, like oak, maple, and hickory, burn very hot and for a long time. These woods also create a hot bed of coals to increase the temperature and longevity of the fire. On the downside, they do not light very easily. Softwoods, on the other hand, light quickly and make good kindling. They do not serve well for long-term fires, though, because they burn fast and at lower temperatures. In essence, a good mixture of the two types of wood should meet your wood-burning needs.

Along with good types of wood to burn, you also need to know what not to burn. As discussed, wet wood is a poor choice. Much of the fires energy goes toward boiling the water instead of producing heat, which wastes your money. Also, do not burn paper or other thin materials because they burn very fast and hot, and this can damage parts of your appliance or chimney. Of course, avoid burning synthetic materials, including plastics and foams, because they release harmful materials into the air.

How to Burn Properly

Everyone with a fireplace has at least a general idea of how to start a fire, but many people do not know how to start a fire well and keep it going efficiently. First, you need to open your damper to allow the fumes to escape once the fire is lit. If the damper is low in the chimney, allow it to sit open for a few minutes before lighting up to let the flue warm up slightly. When starting the fire, start is small so it does not consume oxygen too quickly and extinguish itself. If the fire seems to sputter after burning for a few minutes, the oxygen concentration might be too low. Try opening a window or letting the fire shrink in size.

For more information and tips on proper use of a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or furnace, contact Chief Chimney Services, Inc.

By John Pilger on November 15th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Proper Use of a Wood-Burning Appliance