Not all firewood is created alike. The right wood can make for a safe, clean and efficient fire. Mixed hardwoods burn longer and cleaner with less creosote buildup in the chimney than do softer woods. Oak, hard maple, ash, walnut, locust, apple, cherry, peach and plum are just some of the top burners. Make sure your wood is seasoned. Unseasoned -- or green wood -- won't burn well because it's too wet. Wood takes from six months to a year to season. To tell whether your wood is seasoned knock two logs together. Well-seasoned logs make a sharp ringing sound. Also, well-seasoned logs will be cracked on the ends and will not have a woody smell. And that's the On The House tip for today.