First time fireplace owner/user... Help Get Me Going!

Hi Gang!
My Wife and I are just getting settled into our new (1919) house. It has a full brick fire place that I would love to fire up now that it is getting cold out. I'd like to cozy up some before it gets too cold out side because I understand it may not be economical to burn during winter because of the cold "draft" air. Is that right?
How do I clean it to prevent a "flu fire"? Is the "fireplace cleaning Logs" good enuff, at least for right now?
My damper is stuck, what should I do about that?
What is best to burn? Split logs? 2x4's? Broken up pallets? Yard branches? Pine, Oak?

Thanks in advance for any info, I'll be looking online as well.

 

It would be best to get a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your flue. Especially one that's old! He can tell you if it's safe to use and [if any] repairs that need to be done to make it safe.

Hard wood is usually best. You want the logs to season about a year. Larger ones should be split. Generally it's best not to use pine - it has a higher cresote yield. Branches and twigs make good kindling. but I wouldn't burn much scrap wood. I do burn a lot of scrap lumber [and most anything else] in the stove that's in my shop .... but that's not much like a fireplace in your house.