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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 is also vital to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively. Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup 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 and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%. The quantity of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower 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 equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A firewood pile that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content that may make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned 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 less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can drastically reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we see on clear days. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be top wood burning stoves to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or around the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold However, security precautions should be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still 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 own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It can also be a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.