Wood-Burning Fireplace & Stove Care Guide

There’s nothing quite like a real wood fire. With the right wood, proper operation, and regular maintenance, your wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove can provide beautiful warmth and enjoyment for years to come. Whether you're learning how to build your first fire, wondering how dry your firewood should be, trying to improve your burn time, or figuring out when your chimney needs to be cleaned, we've put together answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners. Always follow the operating and safety instructions for your specific appliance. If you're unsure how to operate or maintain your fireplace, insert, or stove, our experienced team is happy to help.

Wood-Burning Fireplace & Stove Safety

Wood-burning appliances require proper operation and regular maintenance. A few simple habits can help you enjoy your fireplace or stove safely and efficiently.

Before You Burn

• Have your chimney and fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned regularly, following applicable safety recommendations and your appliance manufacturer's instructions.

• Keep furniture, decorations, firewood, and other combustible materials away from the appliance according to the manufacturer's required clearances.

• Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate areas of your home and test them regularly.

• Make sure fireplace doors, glass, gaskets, and other components are in good condition before burning.

• Never operate a wood-burning appliance with broken glass or damaged components.

• Use only the fuel recommended for your appliance.

Burn the Right Wood

The moisture content of your firewood matters more than the species of wood you burn.

For most modern wood-burning appliances, properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.

Wet or poorly seasoned wood can produce more smoke, reduce efficiency, and contribute to creosote accumulation in the chimney.

How to Build a Better Wood Fire

Getting a wood fire started properly can make a big difference in how well your fireplace or stove drafts and burns.

Step 1: Start With Dry, Seasoned Wood

Use clean, dry firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less.

Step 2: Open the Air Controls

Follow your appliance manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate air-control and damper settings when starting a fire.

Step 3: Start Small

Use dry kindling and an appropriate fire starter to establish a hot flame before adding larger pieces of wood.

Step 4: Add Larger Logs Gradually

Once the kindling is burning well, add larger pieces of seasoned firewood. Avoid overloading the firebox.

Step 5: Establish a Good Draft

If you're having trouble getting smoke to travel up the chimney, your chimney may be cold or your home may have negative air pressure. Cracking a nearby window slightly may help establish the draft while starting the fire.

If you regularly experience smoke entering your home, don't simply accept it as normal. Your appliance, chimney, venting, or home may need to be evaluated by a professional.

Why Is Smoke Coming Into My House When I Light a Fire?

Smoke spilling into the room is often caused by poor draft.

A cold chimney can contain a column of cold air that works against the upward movement of smoke. Other factors can include insufficient combustion air, negative air pressure in the home, improper operation, wet wood, or an issue with the chimney or venting system.

Try starting with a smaller, hotter fire and following your appliance manufacturer's recommended startup procedure.

If smoke continues to enter your home, have the fireplace and chimney professionally inspected.

Your family should never have to live with smoke entering the house every time you light a fire.

Why Does My New Wood Stove Smell?

A new wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove may produce an odor during its first few fires.

This is commonly caused by the curing of factory-applied paint and other materials on the appliance.

During the initial curing process:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the number and size of fires.

• Provide adequate ventilation by opening windows or doors as recommended.

• Expect some odor or light smoke as the finish cures.

• Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.

The curing process varies by manufacturer and appliance, so your owner's manual should always be the final authority.

If an unusual odor persists after the appliance has been properly cured, contact a qualified professional.

How Do I Know If My Firewood Is Dry Enough to Burn?

The best way to know whether firewood is ready to burn is with a moisture meter.

For most modern wood-burning appliances, look for firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less when measured according to the meter manufacturer's instructions.

Don't Rely Only on How Long the Wood Has Been Sitting

The amount of time firewood needs to season depends on the species, when it was cut, how it was split, and how it has been stored.

Splitting wood and storing it properly can significantly improve drying.

A simple rule of thumb:

Don't assume wood is ready to burn simply because it's been sitting for a certain amount of time.

Use a moisture meter rather than relying solely on the age or appearance of the wood.

Where Should I Get Firewood?

Firewood is available from a variety of local sources, including fire mitigation companies, arborists, landscapers, and firewood suppliers.

When choosing firewood, focus on proper seasoning and moisture content, rather than simply choosing the most expensive hardwood.

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry can provide longer burn times, while softwoods such as pine and fir can be useful for starting fires and producing quicker heat.

Always make sure the wood you're burning is appropriate for your appliance and is properly seasoned.

How Should I Store Firewood?

Proper storage helps your firewood dry while reducing the risk of pests and mold.

For best results:

• Store firewood outdoors.

• Keep it off the ground.

• Split and stack it loosely to encourage airflow.

• Protect it from excessive rain and snow while allowing air to circulate.

• Choose a location with good sunlight and airflow when possible.

• Keep firewood away from your home's walls, roof overhangs, and other combustible materials.

Never bring large quantities of firewood indoors for long-term storage. Firewood can harbor insects and other pests.

What About Beetle-Killed Wood?

Colorado homeowners may encounter firewood from trees affected by mountain pine beetles or other forest pests.

If you're using beetle-killed wood, follow current local and state guidance for transporting, storing, and disposing of that wood. Proper handling helps reduce the risk of spreading pests to healthy trees.

How Do I Clean the Ash From stove or Fireplace?

Ash should be handled carefully because embers can remain hot long after a fire appears to be out.

When removing ash:

1. Make sure the fire is completely out and the ashes are cool.

2. Use a dedicated metal ash container with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Place the container outdoors on a non-combustible surface away from your home and other combustible materials.

4. Never place hot ashes in a plastic container, cardboard box, or trash can.

Some wood-burning appliances perform best with a small amount of ash left in the firebox. Follow your appliance manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate ash level.

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?

Regular chimney inspection and cleaning are essential parts of safe wood burning.

The frequency depends on how often you burn, the type of appliance and fuel you use, and the condition of your chimney. Annual inspection is a good baseline for many homeowners, with more frequent cleaning when conditions warrant it.

A professional chimney service should look for:

• Creosote accumulation

• Cracks or deterioration

• Blockages

• Damaged or missing chimney components

• Problems around the chimney-roof connection

• An improperly functioning or missing chimney cap

Regular maintenance can help identify problems before they become expensive or dangerous.

We'll Help You Stay on Schedule

We make ongoing maintenance easier with our forward-scheduling process. When appropriate, we'll help you remember when it's time for your next service.

What Is a Catalytic Combustor?

Some modern wood stoves and fireplaces use a catalytic combustor to increase combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.

The catalyst helps burn combustible gases and particles that would otherwise leave the firebox as smoke.

When Should I Engage the Catalyst?

The correct procedure varies by appliance.

A catalytic combustor needs to reach its required operating temperature before it is engaged. Your owner's manual will provide the specific temperature and procedure for your stove.

Never engage or bypass a catalytic combustor based solely on a generic time estimate. Follow the instructions for your specific appliance.

If you're unsure how your catalyst works, our team can help.

Do I Need a Blower on My Wood Stove?

Not necessarily.

Whether a blower is beneficial depends on the type and design of your appliance, the layout of your home, and how you're using the stove.

Wood stoves naturally provide radiant and convective heat. A blower can help distribute warm air in some installations, but it isn't automatically necessary for every stove.

The best choice is the one recommended for your specific appliance and installation.

What About a Blower on a Wood Fireplace or Insert?

A blower can help circulate warm air from many wood-burning fireplaces and inserts.

Because the appliance is enclosed within the fireplace structure, a blower can be particularly useful for moving heat into the room.

As with wood stoves, blower performance and benefits vary by model.

How Can I Get Longer Burn Times?

Longer burn times start with the right fuel and the right operating technique.

• Burn properly seasoned wood.

• Use larger pieces for longer burns.

• Follow your appliance manufacturer's loading recommendations.

• Avoid overloading the firebox.

• Don't intentionally smolder a fire by restricting airflow beyond the manufacturer's recommended settings.

A slow, smoky fire can produce more creosote and may reduce combustion efficiency.

If you're consistently getting much shorter burn times than expected, your wood, appliance, chimney, or operating technique may need to be evaluated.

Can I Burn My Wood Stove Overnight?

Many modern wood-burning appliances are designed to provide extended burns, but overnight operation should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific appliance.

Do not attempt to extend burn time by operating the appliance outside its recommended settings or by intentionally creating a low-temperature, smoky fire.

If you want longer overnight heat, our team can help you understand how your particular stove or fireplace is designed to operate.

Why Does My Blower Turn On and Off?

Many fireplace and stove blowers use a temperature sensor to determine when the appliance is hot enough for the blower to operate.

As the appliance heats up, the blower turns on. As the appliance cools, it may turn off again.

This cycling can be normal.

If your blower behaves differently than it normally does, takes significantly longer than usual to activate, or stops working entirely, your appliance may need service.

Why do i feel a Cold Draft From My Wood Fireplace?

A cold draft can occur when cold outdoor air moves down an open chimney.

If you have an open fireplace, closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use can help reduce unwanted airflow—but only when the fire is completely out and the chimney is cool.

If you have an enclosed fireplace or insert and still experience noticeable cold drafts, there may be an issue with the appliance, chimney, venting, or surrounding construction.

A professional evaluation can help determine the cause.

What Are Outside-Air Kits?

An outside-air kit provides combustion air directly to an appliance from outdoors.

Whether an outside-air kit is appropriate or required depends on the appliance, installation, home construction, and applicable requirements.

Colorado's elevation and tightly sealed homes can make combustion-air considerations particularly important.

Our experienced team can help determine what your specific fireplace or stove requires.

Is My Fireplace Mantel Too Hot?

Fireplace mantels are expected to become warm when a fireplace is operating, but the acceptable temperature and clearance depend on the specific appliance and mantel installation.

Never assume a mantel is safe simply because it doesn't feel extremely hot.

Manufacturers specify required clearances for combustible materials, including mantels and trim.

If you're concerned that your mantel is too close to your fireplace or is becoming unusually hot, have the installation evaluated by a qualified professional.

Do not attempt to solve a clearance issue by adding an improvised heat shield.

When Should I Call a Fireplace Professional?

Some wood-burning maintenance can be handled by homeowners, but certain problems deserve professional attention.

Contact a qualified professional if:

• Smoke regularly enters your home.

• Your fireplace or stove is difficult to start.

• Your fire isn't burning the way it normally does.

• You notice excessive creosote.

• Your chimney hasn't been inspected or cleaned as recommended.

• Your glass is cracked or damaged.

• A door gasket is damaged or no longer seals properly.

• Your catalyst isn't operating as expected.

• Your blower isn't working correctly.

• You notice unusual odors or sounds.

• Your chimney or venting appears damaged.

• You're concerned about a mantel or other combustible material.

• You're simply unsure whether your appliance is operating safely.

When it comes to fire, smoke, and chimney safety, it's always better to ask.

Wood-Burning Fireplace & Stove FAQs

What kind of wood should I burn?

Use clean, dry, properly seasoned firewood appropriate for your appliance. For most modern wood-burning appliances, firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.

Is hardwood better than softwood?

Not necessarily. Hardwood generally burns longer, while softwood can be useful for starting a fire and producing quick heat. Proper seasoning and moisture content are more important than simply choosing one species over another.

How do I know if my wood is seasoned?

The most reliable method is to use a moisture meter. Properly seasoned firewood should generally measure 20% moisture or less when tested correctly.

Can I burn construction scraps or treated wood?

No. Never burn painted, stained, pressure-treated, plywood, particleboard, cardboard containing adhesives or coatings, plastics, trash, or other materials not approved for your appliance.

How much ash should I leave in my wood stove?

The ideal ash level varies by appliance. Some stoves perform best with a small layer of ash remaining in the firebox. Follow your manufacturer's instructions.

How often should I clean my chimney?

Have your chimney inspected regularly and cleaned whenever necessary based on the amount of creosote or other deposits present. Annual inspection is a good baseline for many homeowners, but frequent burners may require more frequent attention.

Why is my wood fireplace smoking?

Smoke entering the home can be caused by a cold chimney, insufficient draft, negative air pressure, improper startup, wet wood, or an issue with the appliance or venting system.

If smoke regularly enters your home, have the system professionally evaluated.

Why isn't my wood stove getting as hot as it used to?

Possible causes include wet wood, restricted airflow, excessive ash, a dirty chimney, a malfunctioning component, or changes in the venting system.

If proper fuel and operation don't solve the problem, schedule professional service.

Can I install a wood stove myself?

Wood-burning appliances have specific requirements for clearances, hearth protection, chimney systems, and installation. Professional installation helps ensure the appliance and venting system are installed according to the manufacturer's requirements and applicable codes.

Need Help With Your Wood-Burning Fireplace or Stove?

Whether you have a question about your firewood, need help troubleshooting your appliance, or it's time for a chimney inspection or cleaning, our experienced team is here to help. We service and maintain wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, and stoves and can help you understand what your specific appliance needs. You don't have to be the fireplace expert. We are.