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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work. Unseasoned, or green, 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 easier to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%. The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used, can greatly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. Wood burner clearance sale takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into a 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 – it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly – ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or around the house. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently. Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at 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 very hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire 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 more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your unit.