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Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.

If there’s a draft within your fireplace, it can lead to a weakening of its flame. And when the fire burns the wood, it won’t burn effectively, resulting in a build up of soot and smoke. If you notice this happening, you’ll want to inspect the glass to see where the draft is getting in. You can also hire a fireplace repair pro to do the work for you.

There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.