Many people choose either spring or autumn as their favored season, with a slight lean toward the autumn with the excitement of new beginnings, for instance, the first day of school, the new year coming, and on.

Some fanfare surrounds the summer season, although the temperatures have grown to extremes disallowing as much time outdoors as many would like. But the promise of holidays, time spent barbecuing with close friends and family, and just enjoying lazy, hazy days can be enough.

Nothing, though, is more comforting and uplifting than the crackle of modern wood-burning stoves as the temperatures dip down when the snow starts to fall as winter sets in.

A certain security and a feeling of safety sets in with each flicker. While wallowing in the ambiance, a degree of responsibility comes with maintaining a stove and the need to follow specific tips to remain safe.

Following optimum safety guidelines, let’s review the steps for soaking up the coziest winter vibe.

What Are Optimum Safety Tips For A Cozy Winter Season With Wood Stoves

Nothing represents a safe, secure, comforting winter than a warm modern wood stove. It’s the ideal inviting atmosphere to have guests for dinner, an evening of entertainment, or merely relaxing after a long day.

While the idea is enjoyable, the appliance comes with responsibility and maintenance to remain safe.

As a homeowner, you’ll need to research adequate fire safety tips and proper care and upkeep before assuming ownership. Learn tips and tricks on wood-burning stoves at https://housetipster.com/housetips/1707/wood-burning-stove-tips-and-tricks/. Then get a few basic guidelines to keep in mind when making the purchase and burning wood for the first time in your household include:

●     Investing in a professional chimney sweep is the suggestion

The recommendation is to ensure the chimney is cleaned at least once per year. As a primary safety precaution, it’s suggested that a professional chimney sweep handle the service to ensure the chore is dealt with adequately.

Another option is to choose a “sweeping log” with chemicals infused into the material meant to break down the harsh deposits of creosote. Once these deposits break into crumbles falling into the stove, they can readily be swept from the appliance.

●     The first time the stove is fired up should be a test run

When it comes time to light the first fire for the winter, it’s wise to make the first burn a test run. It should be only a matter of a brief session to check the stove, the degree of creosote accumulation or potential blockages, perhaps wildlife nests that might be missed.

When testing, kiln or seasoned dry wood should be burned with only a few small bits with a top lighting process. If the room becomes smoky instead of escaping vertically, it’s indicative of a blockage to be fixed before an official burn.

●     What type of wood is adequate for a wood stove

A wood stove takes a specific type of wood to burn clean and properly. The recommendation is kiln-dried as the ideal choice for a clean source that gives off minimal moisture, a critical component.

The least moisture consistently, the longer the file will last with the least amount of smoke, and you’ll find virtually no creosote in the end.

Claims suggest this wood option will have minimal worry over the usual fungus, mold, or bugs common with naturally seasoned options. A second choice is seasoned firewood which boasts a good chance.

The moisture level is generally relatively low but not as low as kiln-dried. Usually, this wood choice is split and stacked for roughly a year. Kiln-dried is the most efficient, with seasoned wood as the next efficient option. Go here for guidance on efficient wood burning.

Photo by Maria Orlova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/old-shabby-stools-placed-around-table-and-iron-furnace-4947139/

●     Ash has to be cleared out

Dirt and tiny debris that collects might seem as though they wouldn’t be harmful, but it is still deemed a fire hazard if it’s not cleared out routinely. The excess can start to inhibit adequate airflow.

Recommendations are to ensure there is no more than an inch or less on the floor for which the hot coals can settle into to reflect the burning log heat and not block the airflow as extensively.

Final Thought

Winter can quickly become the favored season when you have the luxury of a crackling fire creating the ideal ambiance inside your home. Not only should you wallow in the cozy comfort and security, but by following adequate fire guidelines with your modern wood stove, you can ensure the safety of functionality.

This can mean acting as the host to a group of friends envious of the ambiance you present for dinner and game night or perhaps a simple night of relaxation and cups of warm hot chocolate or spiced cider. In either scenario, winter is looking up as the season of choice.