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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively. Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent. Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation. wood burner There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard! Make sure you 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 chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.