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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations. The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much. A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another 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 much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 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 fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or in the home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, security precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. cheap woodburner could lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using dry, split 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 softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your unit.