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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function. Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to reduce the variations. Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower 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. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread. A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. wood burning stoves near me fireplacesandstoves comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission. Stage 1 – The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces 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 can cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and correctly 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 is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce 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, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently 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 such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going, but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear 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. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.