The Best Types of Firewood for Efficient & Clean Burning

11/01/2023

When it comes to heating your home with a fireplace, the choice of firewood plays a significant role in determining how efficiently and cleanly your fire burns. Not all firewood is created equal, and selecting the right types can make a substantial difference. To help you decide which firewood is best for you and your family, your local chimney sweep is here this month with a guide on the best firewood for efficient and clean burning.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are considered the top choice for clean and efficient burning. These types of woods are dense, which means they produce a high heat output and create long-lasting, even-burning fires. Some of the best hardwoods for firewood include:

Oak: Oak is renowned for its high heat output and slow-burning properties. It produces a clean and consistent flame, making it an excellent choice for heating.
Hickory: Hickory is known for its sweet and smoky aroma, and it’s a great choice for both heating and cooking. It burns hot and evenly.
Maple: Maple wood is easy to split, and it provides a steady source of heat. It’s often preferred for its clean-burning characteristics.

Fruitwoods

Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, and pear are prized for their sweet and aromatic qualities. They burn cleanly and produce a pleasant fragrance. These woods are excellent for fireplaces, especially if you want to enjoy the aroma of the wood in addition to the heat.

Ash

Ash wood is known for its versatility and efficiency. It burns well when seasoned, producing ample heat and minimal creosote buildup. It’s often used for both heating and cooking.

Beech

Beech wood is known for its slow and steady burn, making it an excellent choice for heating. It provides a consistent heat source and is less likely to produce excessive creosote.

Cedar

Cedar is a softwood known for its pleasant aroma when burned. While it doesn’t produce as much heat as hardwoods, it’s still a decent choice for heating, especially in milder climates. Just be aware that cedar tends too burn more quickly than hardwoods!

Tips for Efficient and Clean Burning

Season your firewood: Ensure your firewood is well-seasoned (dried) to reduce moisture content, as wet wood burns inefficiently and produces more creosote.
Use a well-maintained stove or fireplace: Regularly clean and maintain your heating appliance to ensure it’s operating at maximum efficiency.
Burn smaller, well-split pieces: Smaller pieces of firewood ignite more easily and burn more efficiently.
Pay attention to airflow: Adjust the air intake to control the burn rate and maintain a clean, hot fire.
Regularly clean your chimney: To prevent creosote buildup, have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.

Seacoast Chimney | Chimney Sweep

If you’re in need of a chimney sweep, inspection, or other services, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Seacoast Chimney today to schedule an appointment. For more information about our services, check out our website today for more information. In the meantime, we look forward to hearing from you!