Wood should be kept dry for 'six months' before burning

Wood that is being utilised for home heating should be kept for six months prior to burning, it has been suggested.

Also, residents can assess the condition of wood by knocking two pieces together and observing its durability. If a hollow sound is heard, then the wood is appropriately seasoned and can be considered for use, a chimney specialist has informed MyCentralOregon.com.

Flue accessories expert Alison Davis told the website that it is advisable to burn hard wood, such as oak or maple, in favour of softer pine and fir.

Additionally, there are many other ways that property owners can lower expenses in their home and improve the performance of their chimneys.

For example, residents can try to keep fires at a small size and service their wood stoves once a year. By doing this, money that would be spent on excess wood can be saved and invested in other areas of the home.