Wood stoves are the best...

The first house my wife and I moved into when we first got married didn't have a woodstove. And honestly, I never really gave it a second thought. However, years later when we bought our second house, that came with two(!) woodstoves, we knew that the ability to burn wood would have to be a non-negotiable item in future homes.

Read More: Is There Anything Mainers Can Do If They Get Shorted On Firewood?

These days, between our heat pump and our woodstove, we only buy oil twice a year. So we feel like we have our whole heating regimen dialed in. But given the choice, we burn wood most often. It's very comforting, and it's also about as warm as you can get. I do hate that it creates about 3% humidity in the house. But I'm always warm AF.

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Not all woods are created equal.

Sawed and chopped oak wood firewood for heating in the stove.
PHOTOEURO
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When it comes to getting firewood, I always recommend finding a reputable supplier who brings well-seasoned, burnable wood. Too often you end with green stuff that'll need to sit a while so it'll burn properly. And you'll always want to stay away from soft woods, or woods that isn't seasoned.

book and cup of coffee in hands of girl on winter autumn evening near fireplace
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Soft woods like pine or spruce will give off some heat, but they will also clog your chimney with creosote. Green, unseasoned wood is also bad for your chimney, but it also gives off almost no heat. So making sure you always have seasoned wood that's as dry as possible is key.

Read More: What's Up With Those Little Shacks at the End of Maine Driveways?

Solid hardwoods are best for burning. They create almost no residue in your chimney, and they give off a ton of heat. Although, sometimes you have good hardwoods like elm. Sure, it burns long and hot, but it smells like absolute garbage. Smelly wood is no fun. On the other hand, cherry and birch smell amazing. Anyway, let's dig through a bunch of these different woods and see why they are, or aren't, awesome.

The Best and Worst Woods to Burn in Your Maine Woodstove

The good, and the bad...

Gallery Credit: Jason Stewart

LOOK: 15 formerly popular foods in America that are rarely eaten today

Stacker researched the history of popular foods, from Jell-O salads to Salisbury steak, and highlighted 15 that are no longer widely consumed.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

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