Trees are much like the human body. Both are made up of a large portion of water, and if you cut a tree and attempt to immediately burn it in a fireplace, the largest portion of the heat generated will be used to continue the drying process of the wood. If firewood is properly dried, the majority of the heat generated will be used to heat your home.

If you normally purchase firewood for your homeheating needs rather than cutting your own, there are several items to look for when purchasing your properly seasoned firewood for this burning season. First, note whether the wood has been split, providing for more surface area from which to lose moisture. In addition, if the wood has a gray color, you can be reassured that the wood has been drying for a long time. Checking for large cracks and splits on the end surface signifies low moisture content in the wood.