Call or Text (845) 265-2220 ☰ ˟
Manage Policy File a Claim
Logo
Call or Text
(845) 265-2220
  • Home
  • Get A Quote
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Auto Insurance Quote
      • Auto Quote Form (short)
    • Bonds
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Commercial Auto Insurance Quote
      • General Liability Quote Form
      • Business Owners (BOP) Quote Form
      • Builders Risk
      • Liquor Liability Quote Form
      • Workers Compensation Quote
      • Community Association Quote Form
      • Community Association Workers Compensation Quote Form
    • Farm
    • Flood
    • Health
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Homeowners Insurance Quote
      • Manufactured Home Quote
      • Homeowner Flood Quote Form
      • Community Association Unit Owners (HO-6) Quote Form
    • LifeImage of right arrow
      • Life Insurance Quote
      • Term Life Insurance Quote
    • LimousineImage of right arrow
      • Limousine Quote
      • Bond Request Form (TLC)
      • Workers Compensation Quote Form (Livery)
      • General Liability Quote Form (Livery)
    • Motorcycle
    • Recreational Vehicle
    • Renters
    • Trucking
    • Watercraft & Boat
  • Customer Service
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Auto Policy
      • Send Declaration and Coverages Information to Lien Holder
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request General Liability Certificate of Insurance
      • A Community Association Certificate Request Form
      • Request a General Liability Certificate of Insurance with Additional Insured
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Request Declaration and Coverages for Existing Homeowners Insurance Coverage
      • Request Evidence of Insurance
    • MotorcycleImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Motorcycle Policy
      • Add Motorcycle to Existing Policy
      • Remove Motorcycle from Existing Policy
    • OtherImage of right arrow
      • Policy Review Request
      • Consent to Receive Electronic Records
    • Watercraft & BoatImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Watercraft Policy
      • Add Watercraft to Existing Policy
      • Remove Watercraft from Existing Policy
  • Claims
    • Automobile
    • Business & Commercial
    • Flood
    • Homeowners
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Watercraft & Boat
  • Blog
  • Make a Payment
  • Resources
    • Secure File Area
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Calculators
    • Important Files
    • Free Reports
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • News Center
  • About Us
    • About Gerelli Insurance Agency, Inc.
    • Location Map
    • Employee Directory
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Newsletter
Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon
Home > Blog > Firewood 101: What You Need to Know
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Firewood 101: What You Need to Know

by Erie Insurance on February 9, 2024
a fire place and a fireplace

If you’re a fan of old-fashioned fireside comfort, firewood may be an important part of your home heating experience.

However, firewood selection isn’t as “cut and dried” as it may seem, and care should be taken when selecting and handling the wood you burn in your home. The quality and safety of your fireside experience depends not only on the kind of wood you use, but how you use it, its source and how it’s stored.

Not All Firewood is Created Equal

Firewood is not a one-size-fits-all proposition: different species of wood have diverse characteristics that affect their suitability as fuel.

In general, for sustained heating, hardwoods are a better choice. Hardwoods include species like oak, maple and birch — trees that have leaves and lengthy growing cycles. Their wood is dense and strong and burns with greater heat and less smoke than softwoods.

Softwoods include evergreen species such as pine, spruce and fir. The wood from these trees is more resinous and burns much more quickly than hardwood. While softwoods are typically considered to be less suitable than hardwoods for home heating, they are usually easier to ignite and can be a good way to start a fire.

How Do I Get Good Firewood?

If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of spare trees on your property, assembling a cord or two of firewood for the winter may not be much of a challenge — provided, of course, that you’re handy with a chainsaw and don’t mind working up a sweat. For many people, though, buying firewood is the only option.

When purchasing firewood, it’s important to deal with a reputable supplier who can provide information about the wood — particularly its moisture content. Wood that has been thoroughly dried is referred to as “seasoned” firewood.

The drier the firewood, the easier and more efficient it is to burn. Contrary to misconception, the buildup of creosote — a contributing factor to chimney damage — results primarily from low-temperature fires rather than the type of wood burned, so it’s important to burn only seasoned firewood whenever possible.

Kiln-dried wood is often considered a great choice since it’s dried in a controlled environment to ensure moisture is evenly removed. If you’re buying firewood from a third party, ask how it was seasoned and for how long. If you’re buying undried wood (or cutting it yourself), make sure to dry it for at least six months to a year before use.

Storing Firewood the Right Way

Once you’ve collected your firewood, you’ve got to store it properly. If it’s unseasoned wood, it must be allowed to dry, and if it’s seasoned wood, you’ve got to make sure it stays dry.

Three factors are important to keep in mind when storing firewood:

  • Keep it dry. As noted, dry wood burns much more efficiently, so keep your firewood out of the rain and snow by covering it with a waterproof tarp.
  • Make sure it’s ventilated. Take care when weatherproofing your firewood so that it remains adequately ventilated. Cover only the top of the wood so that air can still pass through the spaces between the logs and carry away moisture.
  • Keep it off the ground. Wood left on the ground will absorb moisture and begin to rot. It also becomes an inviting haven for creatures looking for a safe place to build nests.

If you’re serious about firewood, you may want to consider a shed or ramada where you can conveniently store your wood on a rack, pallet or solid slab to keep it dry and critter-free.

Fireplace and Woodstove Safety

Now that you’ve got your stash of well-stored, seasoned firewood, it’s time to get things blazing. But, before you strike that first match, make sure you’ve understood and observed the following safety tips:

  • Inspect regularly. A clean and unobstructed chimney is crucial to safely heating your home with wood. Have your chimney and wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
  • Burn clean. Wood treated with chemicals of any kind can release harmful fumes when burned. Never burn treated or painted wood.
  • Don’t overload. Excessive heat can damage stoves, hearths and chimneys. Be sure not to overload your fireplace or wood stove.
  • Use barriers. If you’re burning in an open hearth, use a fireplace screen or glass door to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace. If you’re using a wood stove, keep the door closed while burning.
  • Extinguish thoroughly. Before leaving the house or going to bed, completely extinguish your fire. Remember: if it’s still smoking, it’s still burning.

Safe handling of firewood not only helps prevent nasty mishaps and protects your home from damage, it also ensures burning efficiency and even household air quality.

Comfort and Security

As you look forward to enjoying the colder months by the mellow warmth of a cozy fire, always keep in mind that fire is inherently dangerous. With a bit of preparation, though, you can prop your feet up by the hearth knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your peace of mind.

With Guaranteed Replacement Cost (GRC) insurance from Erie Insurance, you can take another important step toward peace of mind — one that can help get your home back to its previous state in the event of an accident. Talk to a local ERIE agent today about our homeowner policy options, and we’ll show you how to make sure you’re covered all year round.

Posted 12:10 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012

  • directors and officers liability(1)

View Mobile Version
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Google+
Get Directions
Contact Us Today
Resources
Products
Customer Service
Payment Options
Report a Claim
News
About Us
Refer A Friend
Our Carriers
Blog
Contact Us
Contact us PO Box 362
Cold Spring, NY 10516

Ph: (845) 265-2220
Fx: (845) 265-4754
E: plservice@Gerelli-Insurance.com
© Copyright. All rights reserved. Powered by Insurance Website Builder.