Hi everyone, very nice community here. Been searching and doing more research before posting some basic questions. Moved into a new home, we chose wood vs gas for the fireplace. This is my first wood fireplace, so I don't have a lot of knowledge other than reading. I purchased 1/3 face cord of cherry wood, and 1/3 face cord of kiln dried mixed hardwood. I've been mostly using the kiln dried mixed hardwood, but will throw in a piece of cherry once and awhile. I purchased a moisture meter, and it reports 12-16% moisture on both types of wood, so I'm believing it's pretty dry.
I've been having no issue starting the fireplace with kindling and usually a small stick of fatwood. Is it OK to use fatwood to get it going? Then I'll throw 1-2 larger logs on, but from what I understand you can pretty much load this fireplace up? I've been having issues with it generating any type of real heat.
My real concern is what the chimney looks like already. First small fire to break in the fireplace was early October, and we've probably had 10-12 fires since then. I've uploaded two pictures, what it looked like 10/24, and then on 11/24. It looks like I'm already getting shiny creosote? At this point, should I be cautious? Again this is my first fireplace and I'm just not very knowledgeable yet.
I'm thinking my real issue is I'm not burning enough wood and the fireplace essentially burns through the small amount of wood quickly and cools off creating soot and possibly creosote? If jtp10181 see's this, he seems to have a lot of knowledge with this particular fireplace and is a fellow Wisconsinite!
One last question.. when we are finished using the fireplace, and the coal-bed is dying down, is it advisable to close the damper, and close the air controls, or do you just want everything wide open? I'm just trying to avoid creating any creosote or unsafe condition. Plan is to have the chimney inspected every early fall.
Anyway, I appreciate any input for a beginner.
Justin
I've been having no issue starting the fireplace with kindling and usually a small stick of fatwood. Is it OK to use fatwood to get it going? Then I'll throw 1-2 larger logs on, but from what I understand you can pretty much load this fireplace up? I've been having issues with it generating any type of real heat.
My real concern is what the chimney looks like already. First small fire to break in the fireplace was early October, and we've probably had 10-12 fires since then. I've uploaded two pictures, what it looked like 10/24, and then on 11/24. It looks like I'm already getting shiny creosote? At this point, should I be cautious? Again this is my first fireplace and I'm just not very knowledgeable yet.
I'm thinking my real issue is I'm not burning enough wood and the fireplace essentially burns through the small amount of wood quickly and cools off creating soot and possibly creosote? If jtp10181 see's this, he seems to have a lot of knowledge with this particular fireplace and is a fellow Wisconsinite!
One last question.. when we are finished using the fireplace, and the coal-bed is dying down, is it advisable to close the damper, and close the air controls, or do you just want everything wide open? I'm just trying to avoid creating any creosote or unsafe condition. Plan is to have the chimney inspected every early fall.
Anyway, I appreciate any input for a beginner.
Justin