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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 a vital part of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to work. Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%. The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood burning fires is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat 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 one of the major sources of smog we see on clear days. When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning, this 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 atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It could also pose an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out the procedure for your unit.