Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be hot enough to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing 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 environment. The best way to minimize the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.

In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, wood burning fires it will have high levels of water, which can be difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and corner wood burner stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

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

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft freestanding wood burner such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only corner wood burning stove that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with sap and resin which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second hand wood burner leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

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 as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.