Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. However, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly. Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of 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 and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce the variations. Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it 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 for the best performance. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. cheap wood burner fireplacesandstoves from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we see on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. 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 wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the house. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have 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. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them around the lawn! It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.
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