Did you know heat from firewood is actually energy from the sun, and that all firewood contains water? Today we will amaze you with these and other facts as we answer "burning questions" about firewood. Through photosynthesis, trees capture solar energy and convert it to chemical energy. By burning wood for heat, we reverse this and, thus, heat from firewood in reality is heat by means of the energy of the sun. Firewood is as much as 45 percent water, if freshly cut. Dried wood contains only 20 percent to 25 percent, which explains why dried wood burns clean and hot whereas green wood smokes and produces creosote (acidic resin-filled moisture that coats the chimney). It takes six months for wood to dry, and it can be ruined by bad storage. For best results, store it off the ground protected from the elements and away from your home (it attracts termites). Firewood and the glow of a warming fire are among nature's most beautiful gifts. And that's the On The House tip for today.