The Irish Sweep is still accepting calls to answer questions and schedule any service needs. However, no on-site visits are currently being conducted pursuant to the government's stay in place order. Please feel free to contact us at 510.521.4088 to get answers to your questions or schedule a future appointment.

What Is the Best Wood to Burn in a Fireplace?

Ever wondered why some fires burn hotter and longer than others? A crackling fire is one of the simplest pleasures of winter, but not all firewood burns the same. Choosing the best wood to burn in your fireplace can make all the difference in heat output, efficiency, and safety. The right firewood burns cleaner, produces more heat, and reduces creosote buildup in your chimney.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, seasoning, and burning the best firewood for a cozy and safe home.

Why Choosing the Right Firewood Matters

Selecting the right firewood isn’t just about warmth—it also affects indoor air quality, maintenance, and safety. Poor firewood choices can lead to excess smoke, inefficient burning, and increased creosote buildup, which can become a fire hazard.

Key Benefits of Using the Right Firewood:

  • Higher heat output – Quality wood burns hotter, keeping your home warmer.
  • Less creosote buildup – Dry, seasoned wood minimizes the risk of chimney fires.
  • Cleaner burning – The right wood produces less smoke and fewer emissions.
  • Longer burn times – Hardwood logs burn longer, reducing the need for frequent refueling.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: What’s the Difference?

Firewood falls into two main categories: hardwood and softwood. Understanding their differences will help you make the best choice for your fireplace.

Hardwood:

  • Comes from deciduous trees (oak, maple, ash, hickory, birch).
  • Denser wood that burns longer and hotter.
  • Produces less smoke and creosote.
  • Ideal for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.

Softwood:

  • Comes from coniferous trees (pine, fir, spruce, cedar).
  • Burns faster and produces more smoke.
  • Higher resin content, leading to more creosote buildup.
  • Best used for kindling or outdoor fires.

Best Choice for Fireplaces: Hardwoods are the superior option due to their efficiency, long burn time, and minimal creosote production.

Best Wood to Burn in a Fireplace

Not all hardwoods are equal when it comes to burning. Here are the top firewood choices based on heat output and burn quality:

Wood Type Burn Time Heat Output Pros Cons
Oak Long-lasting High Burns slowly with steady heat, minimal smoke Requires up to two years of seasoning
Hickory Long-lasting Very High One of the hottest-burning woods, great for cold winters Hard to split and needs extended drying time
Maple Moderate to long Medium to High Readily available and burns cleanly Harder to split than some other hardwoods
Ash Long High Dries faster than oak, burns cleanly Slightly less heat than hickory or oak
Cherry Moderate Medium Pleasant aroma, minimal smoke Not as hot-burning as oak or hickory

How to Properly Season and Store Firewood

Firewood needs to be seasoned (dried) to reduce moisture content before burning. Burning wet or “green” wood produces excess smoke, low heat, and increased creosote buildup.

Signs of Properly Seasoned Firewood:

  • Cracks on the ends.
  • Lighter weight compared to green wood.
  • Produces a hollow sound when knocked together.
  • Moisture content below 20% (use a moisture meter to check).

Proper Storage Tips:

  • Stack off the ground – Use pallets or a firewood rack.
  • Allow airflow – Stack wood loosely in a crisscross pattern.
  • Cover the top – Protect from rain and snow but leave sides open for ventilation.
  • Store for at least 6-12 months – Oak and hickory may require longer.

Tips for a Safe and Efficient Fireplace Fire

  • Start with dry kindling – Use small softwood pieces or fire starters.
  • Build a top-down fire – Place large logs at the bottom, medium logs above, and kindling at the top.
  • Ensure proper airflow – Keep the damper open to maintain a strong flame.
  • Clean your chimney regularlyHire professionals like The Irish Sweep to remove creosote buildup.
  • Never burn painted or treated wood – These release harmful toxins.

Related Reading: How Often Should a Chimney Be Cleaned?

 

FAQ: Common Questions About Firewood and Fireplaces

Q: What is the longest-burning firewood?

A: Oak, hickory, and ash are among the longest-burning woods.

Q: What is the best wood to burn in a fireplace?

A: The best firewood includes oak, hickory, and ash, which burn efficiently and produce long-lasting heat. Hickory is great for high heat, but oak may be more cost-effective per cord.

Q: What is the hottest burning wood?

A: Hickory and oak are among the hottest-burning woods, producing high heat output and long-lasting embers.

Q: Is it safe to burn softwood in a fireplace?

A: Softwoods can be used for kindling but should not be the primary fuel due to higher creosote production.

Q: Can I use a log burner stove fan to improve efficiency?

A: Yes, a log burner stove fan helps circulate warm air more effectively throughout the room.

Q: How can I tell if firewood is properly seasoned?

A: Check for cracks, a hollow sound when knocked, and use a moisture meter to ensure levels are below 20%.

Q: What is the best wood-burning stove for small homes?

A: Compact wood stoves with high-efficiency ratings are best for small spaces, such as the top-rated wood stoves available today.

Q: Why does my firewood smoke so much?

A: Likely due to high moisture content. Ensure the wood is properly seasoned.

Q: Can I burn wood that has been painted or treated?

A: No! Burning treated wood releases harmful chemicals and toxins.

Choosing the Best Firewood for Your Home

The best wood to burn in your fireplace is dry, well-seasoned hardwood like oak, hickory, or ash. These woods offer high heat output, longer burn times, and minimal smoke. Proper storage and maintenance will ensure your fireplace burns efficiently and safely all winter long.

For expert fireplace and chimney care, give The Irish Sweep a call at 510.521.4088 or fill out our contact form to schedule a cleaning or inspection today!

How and Why To Install a New Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

In this article, we’ll discuss how to install a fireplace insert in your home and the many benefits of doing so.

If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy the warm glow of a fire during the winter. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying an open fire, did you know that installing a fireplace insert could improve your home’s heating efficiency by 70 percent or more? It’s true – a new fireplace insert is one of the best ways to improve the comfort and value of your home. 

What is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert is a type of wood (or gas) appliance without legs, and they are designed to be placed inside an existing wood fireplace. Fireplace inserts consist of a metal box that is inserted seamlessly into the fireplace opening. Because of their design, fireplace inserts are much more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They dramatically increase heating capacity and wood-burning efficiency while still enjoying the unmatched warmth, ambiance, and nostalgia that only wood fireplaces can provide.

Choosing a New Insert

The first step to install a fireplace insert is to choose the right model. There are many different types of inserts available on the market, so it’s important to select one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

When choosing an insert, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

  • The size of your fireplace opening
  • The type of fuel you want to use (wood or gas)
  • Your desired heating capacity
  • The efficiency rating of the insert
  • The style of the insert

Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to start shopping!

How to Install a Fireplace Insert

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect fireplace insert, it’s time to install it in your home. This job is best done by a professional because it requires special tools and expertise. Our local technicians with The Irish Sweep take a unique approach to installing wood-burning fireplace inserts, incorporating the style and design of each individual fireplace.

If you’re interested in having a wood-burning fireplace insert installed in your home, be sure to contact The Irish Sweep. We’ll install it safely and efficiently. And don’t forget annual maintenance, which will keep your insert running smoothly for decades to come.

If you’re thinking about learning how to install a fireplace insert yourself, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take the proper safety precautions. This is not a quick and easy DIY! 

The Benefits of a New Insert

There are many benefits to installing a new fireplace insert in your home. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  • Increased heating capacity with less smoke
  • A dramatic increase in wood-burning efficiency
  • Increased home value
  • The ability to zone heat your home
  • Reduced energy costs

If you’re looking for a way to improve the comfort and value of your home, installing a new fireplace insert is a great option.

Talk to Us

Our services at The Irish Sweep can help maintain and enjoy a wood-burning chimney and fireplace all winter and for years to come. We take great pride in offering our fireplace installation services to the resident community and the local Bay Area. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us at (510)521-4088, or visit our contact page.

WHAT ARE “NO BURN DAYS”?

Spare the Air was formed in 1991 by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to inform residents when the air quality is forecast to be harmful and to share information on ways to decrease air pollution. No Burn Days are also called “Winter Spare the Air” days.

In 2008, the Air District approved a rule that makes it illegal to burn firewood on days once a Winter Spare the Air alert is in effect. This guideline was adopted to protect public health.

During winter months, wood smoke is the major source of air pollution in the Bay Area, accounting for more than one-third of fine particulate substance pollution. On cool, peaceful days when there is an inversion layer of warm air acting as a cover over a layer of cold air, wood smoke can build up at ground level to harmful concentrations.

There are numerous things residents can do to decrease their impact on air quality over the winter, when these weather conditions endure. The first line of protection is to limit usage of wood-burning stoves, and ideally switch over to a different heating method, such as gas, or EPA-certified wood stoves.

CHECK FOR ALERTS BEFORE YOU BURN

Never fail to spot an alert by signing up for Winter Spare the Air Alerts. Modify your alert for text, email, or phone call. Winter Spare the Air Alerts will as well be posted to the Spare the Air and Air District websites and social media.

KEEP IN COMPLIANCE

Besides avoiding burning wood on Winter Spare the Air Days, there are additional provisions in the wood-burning rule.

Wood-burning devices are forbidden in new buildings constructed in the Bay Area. Gas-fueled fireplace, gas inserts, and electrical fireplaces are acceptable.

We want you to stay warm this winter, but make sure you first check if that day is a “no burn day” by visiting the Spare the Air website.

UPDATE TO REGULATION 6, RULE 3, PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Information gleaned from www. baaqmd.gov

Sole source of heat:
A wood-burning device may be used during a mandatory burn ban if the device is the only source of heat in a residential dwelling and the device is EPA certified. A person claiming

this exemption is required to register the EPA certified device in the District’s registration program and submit records to the District for verification.
(Effective November 1, 2016)

Non-Functional, Permanently Installed Heating Device:
Residential dwellings (excluding commercial and residential rental properties) that have a non-functional, permanently installed heating device may receive a temporary exemption from a mandatory burn ban if repairs are completed in 30 days and submission of all repair documentation is submitted to the District within 10 days of completion.
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Loss of Electric Power and/or Natural Gas:
The use of a wood-burning device is allowed during a mandatory burn ban when there is loss of electric power and/or natural gas as determined by the utility service providers.
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Mandatory Burn Ban:
A mandatory burn ban is declared to prevent regional wood smoke accumulation when a PM2.5 level is anticipated to exceed an unhealthy level within the next 3 days.

Update to the above:
A mandatory burn ban is declared when a negative impact upon public health is anticipated resulting from PM2.4 levels forecast to exceed 35 mg/m3. “Mandatory Burn Ban” will replace “curtailment period.” (name change)
Staff determined that Rule 6-3 already allows the District flexibility to declare Winter Spare the Air Alerts 2 – 3 day sooner to prevent unhealthy air from occurring and it is not necessary to amend the regulatory requirements of this section.

Sales and Manufacturing of Wood Heaters:
All new EPA certified wood-burning devices manufactured and sold must meet or exceed new NSPS standards:
• Effective 60 days after new NSPS standards are published in the Federal Register:
o 4.5g/hr for catalytic and non-catalytic stoves using crib test or cordwood test. If cordwood testing is conducted, the manufacturer must supply the emissions test method to EPA and the test method must be approved.
o Effective 5 years after the date of the final rule, the following new NSPS standards apply:
2.0 g/hr for catalytic and non-catalytic stoves using crib test.
2.5 g/hr for catalytic and non-catalytic stoves using cordwood test. The manufacturer must supply the emissions test method to EPA and the test method must be approved.
Wood stove retailers will be allowed to sell existing inventory of EPA certified devices rated 4.6 g/hr – 7/5 g/hr until December 31, 2015.

Sale or Transfer of Real Property has been changed to Disclosure Requirements for Real Property:
Real estate property may not be sold or transferred if it includes an uncertified wood-burning device. The seller may decommission the uncertified device or may replace it with gas-fueled, electric, or EPA Certified devices that meet or exceed new NSPS standards.
(Effective November 1, 2016)

Update to the above:
Removed Proposed “Point-of-Sale” Requirement
The “point-of-sale” requirement has been changed to require disclosure documents upon sale or rental of real property to disclose health hazards of PM2.5
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Fireplace or Chimney Remodels:
Upon remodeling a fireplace or chimney, an uncertified wood-burning device must be replaced with a device that is gas-fueled, electric or EPA certified that meets or exceeds new NSPS standards. This requirement is triggered by any fireplace or chimney remodeling activity that requires a local building permit.
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Update to the above:
Upon remodeling a fireplace or chimney, an uncertified wood-burning device must be replaced with a device that is gas-fueled, electric or EPA certified if the remodel cost exceeds $15,000 and requires a local building permit.
(Effective November 1, 2016)

Commercial and Residential Rental Property has been changed to Rental Properties with Natural Gas Service:
All commercial and residential rental properties must have an alternate form of heat that does not burn solid fuel and all wood-burning devices must be EPA certified or be replace with gas-fueled or electric devices.
(Effective November 1, 2016)

Update to the above:
Removed proposed requirement that all rental properties must replace wood-burning devices with gas-fueled, electric or EPA certified devices.
All rental property in areas with natural gas service must have an alternate from of heat that does not burn sold fuel.
(Effective November 1, 2018)

New Building Constructions:
New building constructions may only install gas-fueled or electric devices. Installation of devices that burn solid fuel is prohibited.
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Update to the above:
Only the date has been changed.
(Effective November 1, 2016)

Visible Emissions Limitation:
Following a 20 minute start-up allowance for new fires, visible emission of grater than 20% opacity and aggregate to 3 minutes in any hour is considered an exceedance of the standard.
(Effective November 1, 2015)

Registration:
Registration – All residential properties claiming Only Source of Heat Exemption must have a registered EPA certified device.
o Type of Device(s)
o # of Device(s)
o Make, Model and Serial # of Device(s)
o Manufacture Date(s)
(Effective November 1, 2016)

What Makes an Artificial Log Set

First of all, let me be clear, artificial log set can only be installed in a fireplace that is suitable for wood burning.  The only way we can determine the fireplace is fire safe is to clean the chimney and then look at the interior surfaces with our remote vision camera system.

These sets come in various sizes and include ceramic logs of your choice with a burn pan, decorative silica sand, volcanic cinders, dual effect embers, a pedestal grate and damper stop.

A plumbing contractor is required to install a gas valve on the floor or wall near the fireplace and a gas supply line into the firebox.

Vent-free artificial gas log sets are illegal in the State of California.

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