However, frequent stove or insert use may require monthly chimney inspection and cleanings. The basis for that recommendation for solid fuel appliances is the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 211. Your fuel supply should consist of a mixture of hardwoods, like maple or oak, and softwoods, such as fir and pine. When first starting your fire, use softwoods. They ignite easily and burn rapidly with a hot flame.
Hardwoods provide a longer lasting fire and are best used after preheating the chimney.
If hardwoods are unavailable, you can control your fire s burn rate by using larger pieces of wood. The seasoning, or drying, process allows most of the natural moisture found in wood to evaporate, making it easier to burn. To properly season wood, split the logs as soon as possible and stack them in a dry spot for 6-18 months. Pile the wood loosely, allowing air to circulate through the split logs. Hardwoods take longer to dry than softwoods.