If you are planning on getting a wood burning stove or fireplace insert remember some of the most important rules for safe and environmentally sound wood burning:

- Burn only well-seasoned wood and minimize the amount of soft woods (like pine and spruce).  Not only do unseasoned woods or other unsuitable materials create more creosote, they are also more polluting.

- It is best to burn wood that has dried for a full year.  Plan ahead not only for this years wood needs, but next years as well.

- When making a purchase, buy the most efficient wood burner you can afford. It will give you more heat per unit of wood and save both time and money in the long run.

- Don’t burn trash (especially plastic and vinyl). Trash gives off a number of unhealthy pollutants when burned, several of which are proven to cause cancer.

- Follow the manufacturers directions for lighting and running your wood burning stove or insert.  The manufacturer instructions will help you run your stove or insert as efficiently as possible.

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