Eco Firewood

I'd like to start using our fireplace (now that it is 34 degrees outside), but I'm unsure about the type of firewood to use. I've heard that real wood is bad, and that Duraflame logs are worse.

Any insight on which products have minimal impact on air quality, and have low chemical content?

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asked on Dec 18, 2008

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comments and reviews

Burning wood, coal or a substitute is dirty business. They all create smoke in the air. This part of the reason why air quality was much worse some years back - when everyone burned wood/coal to heat with it - it was ugly.

With all that said, burning a few logs in your fireplace on a chilly evening is fine. Any firewood is ok. You can usually buy some at a local place or even the grocery store. Stay away from painted or other finished woods.

#1 - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (12:23 pm)

Bill, thanks a bundle (of firewood!) for your advice.

Any thoughts on wood substitutes for the lazy-persons fire?

#2 (reply to #1) - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (12:52 pm)

I don't like the wood stubstitutes. I've used them, they don't burn the same as wood - although they do last longer. The real reason I don't like them is because I always have this nagging feeling that they might be emitting stuff I don't want to breath. I don't know that, but they just seem so fake. I think some are made with wood fibers, but something is gluing them all together. But that's just me.... :-)

#3 (reply to #2) - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (12:57 pm)

Hmmm...you have given me stuff to ponder. Thanks.

#4 (reply to #3) - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (4:11 pm)

actually, you asking this question reminds me that we DO have a fireplace, although the couch is currently in front of it. Maybe we should uncover it and actually use it this season! no advice on the firewood thing. We would most likely do the synthetic duraflame thing and hope for the best

#5 - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (9:20 pm)

Can you recommend a chimney sweep if you are unveiling your fireplace?

#6 (reply to #5) - posted on Dec 19, 2008 (11:42 pm)

our wood stove is our primary heat source out here on the east coast. you want hard woods that have been seasoned for at least a year. These will burn the hottest and cleanest. You want wood that has the least amount of creosote build up. Making sure the wood is well seasoned will help this. Soft woods will do, but do not burn as hot, and often have more smoke and build up then one wants.

good kindling is also key to getting the fire started quickly and with as little smoke as possible.

those fake wood things are full of chemicals.

#7 - posted on Dec 20, 2008 (5:04 am)

Thanks Aura for sharing your thoughts.
I love Mobspin. I get to chat with people on the east coast!

#8 (reply to #7) - posted on Dec 20, 2008 (10:49 am)

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