How to burn firewood ecologically and efficiently?

Proper burning means not only cozy warmth, but also less smoke, a cleaner chimney, and more economical use of firewood. Tolvi specialists share practical tips on how to burn firewood ecologically, efficiently, and safely so that your fireplace or stove lasts longer.

✅ Choose dry, high-quality firewood

• Firewood must be dried for at least 1–2 years, and its moisture content must not exceed 20%.
• The best types of firewood are deciduous: birch, ash, black alder, and white alder. They burn cleanly, efficiently, and do not harm the chimney.
• Do not burn painted, impregnated or glued wood - it is dangerous to your health and is harmful to the fireplace.

✅ Burning "from above" - ​​cleaner and more efficient

Stack the firewood tightly (see photo for how to stack the firewood correctly) and light the kindling on top. The fire will allow the flame to spread from top to bottom – this way the firewood burns more evenly, producing less smoke and soot.

This method helps the fireplace reach operating temperature faster, and the chimney stays cleaner.

✅ Air volume is very important

• Combustion requires air. Too little air will cause the firewood to smolder, smoke will increase, and flammable soot will form.
• Too much air - the firewood will burn too quickly, the heat will escape through the chimney.
• Clean Burn systems, found in many modern fireplaces and stoves, help maintain optimal air flow.

✅ Burn at least 2-3 pieces of wood at a time

• A single firewood often goes out because it does not ensure the necessary combustion process.
• 2-3 pieces of wood create sufficient heat and air circulation, making combustion stable.

✅ Watch the smoke

• If the smoke from the chimney is heavy, black or gray, combustion is inefficient.
• When burning optimally, the smoke is almost invisible and has a gentle scent.

Additional advice about briquettes

Wood briquettes can be a great alternative to firewood, but you need to use half as much as firewood.
For example: if the fireplace can burn 3 kg of firewood, use only 1.5 kg of briquettes - otherwise the firewood will overheat.

Correct burning means a longer service life of the fireplace.
Need more advice on suitable firewood or burning methods? Contact Tolvi and we will advise you.