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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent. The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut large wood burner that isn't 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 for optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote also get released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine 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 experience on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. click the up coming website page recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace 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 your specific unit.