Congratulations on your new wood fireplace! Owning one can transform your home into a warm, snug haven of memories yet to be made. The first 30 days are useful for getting everything set up and understanding how to use and maintain your fireplace properly. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this period.

Day 1-7: Installation and Initial Setup

• Correct Installation: Ensure your fireplace is properly installed. includes setting up the chimney or flue, ensuring proper ventilation, and securing the fireplace in place.
• Safety First: Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms in your home, especially near the fireplace and in sleeping areas. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure all household members know how to use it.
• Understanding Your Fireplace: Familiarize yourself with the controls, air vents, and any specific features of your fireplace.
• Initial Burn: Perform an initial burn to cure the fireplace. This helps to burn off any residues from manufacturing. Open windows to ventilate any fumes produced during this process.

Day 8-14: Gathering and Preparing Firewood

• Choosing the Right Wood: Select seasoned hardwoods such as Blue Gum, Black Wattle, or Sekelbos. These woods burn hotter and cleaner, providing efficient heating and reducing creosote buildup.
• Storing Firewood: Store your firewood properly. Stack it off the ground and cover the top to protect it from rain, while allowing air to circulate. Properly stored wood ensures a cleaner and more efficient burn.
• Preparing Kindling: Gather kindling and smaller pieces of wood to help start your fires. Dry twigs, small branches, and wood shavings work well as kindling. If you have a dryer, collect the lint and use that as the perfect fire-starter.

Day 15-21: Building and Maintaining Your Fire

• Building Your First Fire: Start with a small fire to get accustomed to using your fireplace. Place crumpled newspaper and kindling in the firebox, then stack small logs on top. Light the newspaper and let the fire build slowly.
• Adjusting Airflow: Learn to use the air vents to control the fire. Opening the vents fully will increase the fire’s intensity, while closing them will slow it down. Proper airflow is crucial for an efficient burn.
• Regular Ash Removal: Remove ashes regularly to maintain proper airflow and prevent buildup. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before disposing of them.

Day 22-30: Enjoying and Maintaining Your Fireplace

• Enjoying the Ambiance: Now that you’re comfortable with building and maintaining a fire, enjoy the cozy ambiance of your wood fireplace. Spend time with family and friends around the warm glow of the fire.
• Routine Maintenance: Develop a routine maintenance schedule. This includes regular cleaning of the firebox, inspecting the chimney, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.
• Safety Checks: Perform regular safety checks. Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Check the fire extinguisher and make sure it is easily accessible.

Efficient Burning Tips

• Burn Seasoned Wood: Ensure your wood is properly seasoned to reduce smoke and creosote buildup.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the fireplace with too much wood at once. Smaller, frequent loads ensure a more controlled and efficient burn.
• Maintain Proper Ventilation: Keep the air vents adjusted to maintain proper airflow, which ensures an efficient and clean burn.

Plan for the Future

As you become more familiar with your fireplace, plan for long-term care. Schedule annual professional inspections and cleanings to keep your fireplace in tip-top condition.

By following these steps during your first 30 days, you’ll establish good habits that will ensure your wood burning fireplace remains a safe, efficient, and enjoyable part of your home.