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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively. Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. The quantity of air being supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted. A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. click here! allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far. A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn! Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.