As we head into Christmas week, fireplaces across New England are about to get a lot of use. A crackling fire has a way of making a home feel warm, grounded, and festive, especially when family and friends are gathered together.

But like many features in a home, how you use your fireplace matters just as much as having one. The right practices can keep your home healthier, safer, and more comfortable all winter long while the wrong ones can quietly impact indoor air quality and safety.

Why Fireplace Health Matters

Fireplaces are often associated with comfort, but they’re also a source of smoke, fine particles, and carbon monoxide if not used properly. During winter, homes are sealed tighter, windows stay closed, and air circulation is reduced—meaning whatever’s in the air tends to linger.

A healthy fire should burn cleanly, produce minimal smoke indoors, never leave lingering odors, and add warmth without compromising air quality.

Burn the Right Wood

Best choices include well-seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash, that have dried for at least 6–12 months and have a moisture content at or below 20 percent.

Avoid burning painted or treated wood, plywood, MDF, trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, or softwoods like pine.

Healthy Fire-Building Practices

Always open the damper fully before lighting. Use kindling or natural fire starters and never lighter fluid. Build fires that burn hot and steady, not smoky and slow.

Indoor Air Quality & Safety Checks

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and ensure smoke detectors are working. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.

Ash, Screens, and Aftercare

Always use a fireplace screen. Let ashes cool for 24–48 hours and store them in a metal container outdoors.

A Warm Holiday Thought

A healthy home isn’t about perfection—it’s about thoughtful choices that protect the people inside it. Wishing you and your family a cozy and joyful holiday week.