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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. They must be hot and clean in order to work. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations. The amount of air provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted. To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. my latest blog post and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 chimney that 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 the particular unit you have.