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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function. Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20%. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. modern wood burner can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in 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. 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 reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly – ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively. Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has 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 suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the 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. Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. see here now can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.