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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate. To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use heating your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases. The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. contemporary wood burning stoves can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard! Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for any blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.