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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 soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to work. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making 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 flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations. In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate. To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed and 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 seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. best wood burning stove will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.