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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations. In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much. A load of firewood that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance. Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we see on clear days. If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the home. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning Best wood burning stoves on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for any blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.