Fireplace

I think the best compromise is having a gas flute to start the fireplace but the fireplace is wood burning. I load it up with wood, turn on the gas for a few minutes then cut it off and just keep adding wood until I'm done. Pure wood just takes more work to get it going and pure gas just doesn't put out enough heat.

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she doesn't like that you can sometimes smell the fireplace smoke.

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The smell of a real fire is the entire reason to keep it.

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So coming from gas where you just turn a knob to end the fire for the night how do you real wood fire folks put out all of the embers before you turn in for the night? Do you get your chimney cleaned every year so you don't end up with chimney fire from the creosote buildup? Is there a certain type of hardwood you recommend burning over others for less buildup? As far as seasoned wood goes do you ask for a certain age each year when you purchase so it cuts down on creosote buildup?

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I had a lot of these same questions and it seems like if you are the type of person who worries about those things real wood fireplace may not be for you.

we have a chimney inspection and cleaning every year. Only burn hardwood obviously (no pine, etc). Green vs seasoned doesn’t matter (wet = water). I keep a stack of seasoned wood to start the fire and then add green wood as it burns slower and doesn’t pop as bad.

save your paper products (boxes, etc) and use them as starter. Never takes me more than one try to get a fire going. Ours will heat up our whole downstairs (small house though) and sometimes make you open a window

just let the fire burn down before you go to bed and cover with a screen