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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to work. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%. The amount of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much. A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat from 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 create 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 are carcinogenic. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and 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 is more energy-intensive than it would when the log was dried to dry before 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 form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the house. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Make cheap woodburner to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them. Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly 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 building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard! It is recommended to 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 chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.