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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 relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to function. Green wood, 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 easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. best wood burning stove produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used, can greatly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we experience on clear days. If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively. Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases 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. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard! Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.