The cat enjoys a roaring fire on a chilly night.

Anyone who has gotten to know me here on Steemit is probably aware that I am a huge proponent of burning wood for home heating.

Fire is the oldest method used by people to stay warm. Even in this modern world it is still practical, efficient, and effective. I have burned wood as our home heating fuel for seven winters. It has not disappointed me.

When I hear people talking about their furnaces malfunctioning and being without heat until the repairman arrives, I am silently thankful, knowing we will not have that issue.

I also find peace knowing that no matter how bad a winter storm we get, we will have continuous heat, even if the power is disrupted.

Dinner is cooking and my home is being heated by a wood-burning stove.

Heating with wood is a lot of work. Cutting wood from the timber, hauling it to the house, splitting it, and stacking it is a strenuous chore.

A pile of wood fresh from the timber, needing split and stacked.

Dad and I worked together to get this wood stacked.

But having a house that is 80 degrees inside while the snow falls outside is worth the hard work and aching muscles.

Over the years I have installed six wood stoves. Two in houses, two in garages, and two in campers. And none of those structures have burned. The smartest advice I can give about installing a wood stove is as follows:

• Strictly follow installation requirements determined by local building codes, fire departments, and your insurance company.
• Clean the stove pipe (chimney) at least once a year.
• Use common sense. (Do not use gasoline to start an indoor fire, make sure combustibles stay clear of your stove, and so on.)

Burning wood can become a science.

I have learned to look at each piece of firewood in terms of it's heat output. For instance, a large, dry log that has not been split can provide four hours of heat. The heat output won't be as high as if it were split, but the longevity of the burn will make it a great piece to throw in the stove before I go to bed.

On the other hand, a smaller piece of wood that has been split will put off a much higher degree of heat, but will burn for a much shorter duration before more wood is needed.

Each species of wood has different burn characteristics. For example, I have found that Sycamore burns with a bright, extremely hot flame that is perfect for warming the house or garage quickly. Oak, on the other hand, will burn slowly at a cooler temperature, making it a great overnight wood.

I surely could come up a scientific comparison between a cubic foot of firewood and a cubic foot of gas, measuring their thermal output in BTU's, their time span of heat output, and their cost. But I will spare you that at the moment. (Yes, I am somewhat of a redneck geek.)

Stay safe and warm this winter, no matter how you choose to heat your home. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas. May the Lord bless you, and may your firewood stay dry. Thank you for reading my post!