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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 also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly. Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. very small wood burning stove must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far. A load of firewood that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. visit my website of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel 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 comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote. Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Place small woodburners and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.