Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned, shed wood burner has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best wood burning stove way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using very small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy 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 maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.