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Just because it’s flammable doesn’t mean you should burn it in your fireplace.
A wood-burning fireplace can be a good source of supplemental heat, but it will emit more pollutants into the air if the fire isn’t built properly.
To minimize wood smoke pollution from a fireplace or woodstove, here are a few tricks.
Try manufactured logs. They burn cleaner than wood logs and tend to last longer, even if they don’t have quite as much charm.
If you do use wood, burn only dry seasoned wood. Start a small fire using soft woods, and add larger hard-wood logs after the fire gets going.
Don’t burn garbage, glossy paper or wood that has been painted or chemically treated.
Finally, remember: excessive smoke is a sign that your fire wasn’t lit properly or is not burning correctly.
Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford
Founder
Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
