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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. 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 understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.

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

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.

A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can 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 store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but precautions for safety must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. 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 for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.





Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If second hand wood burner have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.