Firewood

[angelwolf326]

Can anyone recommend a place to get wood and what kind is best to get??

[TableMtn]

Hardwood, like oak is better than softwood like pine.  Cottonwood and other "ashy" woods have a tendency to creosote up your chimney.  

[jstunu]

I have used eucalyptus for years (15+) and have a great guy down the hill who delivers a solid cord when ordered.  Let me know if you want his name.  My cord, just delivered was 235.00 but was stove wood  which usually runs a little more than regular size.

[ezzpete]

here's a helpful link

http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/firewood.htm

when you buy wood it's good to see it when it's stacked. the locals i've delt with like to guesstimate how much to give you, kinda like going to a butcher and buying 200 bucks worth of meat, but he doesn't want to bother weighing it.

also don't let them tell you that small branches "burn just as good as split wood", 'cause they don't. do some research and get what you paid for. wood selling can be kind of a flim flam adventure, if the sellers know your inexperianced.

[shmonsta]

Hey there,

I'm not real experienced with wood purchasing, but I have found that having a "mix" of wood helps.  The oak wood is GREAT...burns hot and long.  But if you're trying to get the fire going you can't start out with the oak or your fire will peter-out.  I don't care for the pine either (for the beginning of the fire after the kindling) as it has a high sap content that will apparently build up on the inside of your chimney-potentially causing a chimney fire.  I'm not sure what the best larger light wood for starting a fire would be...but it is something to look into.  Good luck!  I'll check back in to see if anyone has any suggestions.  

[dragongirl]

We have a wood burning free standing fireplace which is our only heat really.  We have found FAT STICKS from Plow and Hearth.  They work really good you only need two and alot less paper to get it going.  A 10 lb box cost us $10.50 on sale.  Its better than scrap construction wood and lasts a long time.  If you want more info IM me.  You are right you should burn a mixture of wood.

[angelwolf326]

[angelwolf326]

[angelwolf326]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Can anyone recommend a chimney sweep?  This is my fourth winter and I've never had the fireplaces done, I should do them yes?

Thanks,
Danna

[angelwolf326]

here's a helpful link

http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/firewood.htm

when you buy wood it's good to see it when it's stacked. the locals i've delt with like to guesstimate how much to give you, kinda like going to a butcher and buying 200 bucks worth of meat, but he doesn't want to bother weighing it.

also don't let them tell you that small branches "burn just as good as split wood", 'cause they don't. do some research and get what you paid for. wood selling can be kind of a flim flam adventure, if the sellers know your inexperianced.

This is a great site!!!

Thanks alot!

Danna

[Tammy]

also be careful that its not from a fire area or rather certain fire areas,alot of the wood has fire retardent on it from being dropped via planes and it just likes to smoulder forever,once it does light you've used a months worth of kindling.

[TableMtn]

Can anyone recommend a chimney sweep?  This is my fourth winter and I've never had the fireplaces done, I should do them yes?

I can't make a recommendation because I am not from the WW area (I used one from Palmdale last year for my chimney).  However--YES, you should get them cleaned AND make sure it is someone that has a remote camera that can inspect the flue for cracks and breaks in the mortar.  These can be the start of a nasty chimney fire.  We only paid 30-40 dollars for our for both the cleaning and inspection.  

[RennMan]

For Chimney Sweeps...

High Desert Chimney Sweep, in Apple Valley

(760) 247-4958

They are also the local SolaTube dealers.  Which I heartily recommend, if you want a cool skylight.

[AntiFltLndrs]

[angelwolf326]

I called Tony and got a quote of $140 per fireplace.  Can't afford that!!  Too my knowledge Pine has never been burnt in my fireplace at least not for the last 3 years.  I have got a few of those self cleaning logs and will use them unless I can find a chimney sweep more reasonable...

[las]

Call Wane Henopp. 249-3021. He lives Xstreet from MHP.   Then save your pennies and purchase a fireplace insert from Bart at Country Oak and Stove.  You wont have to worry about cracks in the old brick or mortar because they will run a stainless steel 6" round flew to the top of your chimney.  With a new insert you will get your money back on reduced wood use and it is fast and easy (less expensive) to have the chimney cleaned.  Not to mention that an insert will not suck the warm air out of your house like a conventional fireplace.

[angelwolf326]

Thanks Las, I appreciate your help.  I can't wait to try your spaghetti!!!  I'm so jazzed you added to your already great menu!!!  This week I will try it....

[klquinn]

We just got our hearth heater install a couple of weeks ago.  We were going to go to Country Oak & Stove until I priced them out and a place in San Bernardino was $1,000 less for the same stove. They were very nice and very accomodating.  Regency was/is having a sale where you get the blower for free (about $250ish).  LOVE our stove! We go the whole evening on two logs.

[ezzpete]

[Stitches]

What's a hearth heater?     I'd like to get an insert too.    In the spring of 2003 I noticed a crack in the back of our fireplace.   We could actually push the brick where it is cracked.    In the fall of last year I had the fireplace cleaned by our local chimney sweep and he didn't say anything about the crack.    We were afraid to use it all last winter because of the crack.   I had visions of the heat and the fire setting something behind the brick on fire.    Will the insert work in my case?

I miss my fireplace.