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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture 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 keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. 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 required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%. In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread. A load of firewood that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When small wood burning stove is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high water content that can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and 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 overload the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively. Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can 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 with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep small woodburners on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.