Getting Ready for Winter: Your Complete Guide to Kiln-Dried Firewood and Chimney Care
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. A crackling fire is one of the best ways to stay warm and cosy, but before you light up that first fire of the season, there are a few essential steps to take. Whether you’re a seasoned wood burner or new to using kiln-dried firewood, this guide will help you get ready for winter the right way.
1. The Importance of Chimney Sweeping
Before you load up your fireplace with fresh wood, it’s crucial to make sure your chimney is clean and safe. Over time, creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood, can build up inside your chimney. If not properly cleaned, this build up can cause dangerous chimney fires, which can damage your home and pose serious risks.
Scheduling a professional chimney sweep at least once a year is a good practice, especially before the winter season. They’ll inspect your chimney for blockages, clean out any soot or creosote, and ensure the structure is sound. Chimney sweeping not only makes your fireplace safer, but it also helps your fire burn more efficiently, giving you more heat from your logs.
Tip: If you use your fireplace regularly throughout winter, consider sweeping your chimney more frequently to avoid heavy build up.
2. Order Your Kiln-Dried Logs Early
Winter sneaks up fast, and the demand for firewood always peaks as temperatures drop. Waiting until the last minute to order your firewood can leave you scrambling to find quality logs or paying extra for expedited delivery. To avoid the rush and ensure you have a steady supply throughout the colder months, plan ahead.
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood? Kiln-dried logs are a superior choice for your winter fires. They are dried in a kiln to reduce their moisture content to below 20%, meaning they burn hotter, longer, and with less smoke than seasoned wood. With lower moisture content, these logs ignite quickly and create less creosote build up in your chimney—an added safety benefit.
When to Order? Early autumn is the perfect time to start thinking about your firewood stock. By ordering now, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your logs are ready to go when the first cold snap hits. Plus, it gives you time to properly store your wood (more on that below) to ensure it stays dry and ready for use all winter.
3. How to Store Your Logs for Maximum Efficiency
Once your kiln-dried logs are delivered, proper storage is key to keeping them in top condition. Even though kiln-dried wood has a low moisture content, it can still absorb moisture if left exposed to rain or snow. Here’s how to store your firewood to ensure it remains dry and burns beautifully:
-
Keep it Covered: Store your logs in a sheltered location, like a wood shed, garage, or covered area. If storing outdoors, use a breathable cover or tarp to protect the top, but leave the sides exposed for airflow. This prevents moisture build up while allowing air to circulate around the logs.
-
Off the Ground: Stack your wood on a raised platform, like pallets, or on concrete slabs to keep it off the damp ground. This prevents moisture from seeping into the wood from below.
-
Good Airflow: Stack your firewood in a criss-cross pattern to promote airflow between the logs. Proper ventilation ensures your wood stays dry and reduces the risk of mould or rot.
-
Don’t Overpack: Avoid tightly packing your logs. Leaving space between the pieces helps them dry further and keeps them ready to burn cleanly.
Tip: Always bring in a small batch of wood a day or two before you need it, so it has time to reach room temperature. This helps it ignite more easily when you’re ready to light your fire.
Get Cosy with Confidence This Winter
By taking the time to sweep your chimney, order your kiln-dried logs early, and store them properly, you’re setting yourself up for a warm and safe winter. With your firewood ready to go and your chimney in good shape, all that’s left to do is cosy up by the fire and enjoy the season!
Looking for high-quality kiln-dried firewood? Shop now at Dane End Firewood to secure your winter supply today!
Looking for a fully qualified, local, reliable chimney sweep? We highly recommend Tim's Chimney Sweeps