Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot to function effectively.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.

The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content that can be difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.

If properly used wood burning fireplace stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten Wood burner clearance sale to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood burning stoves for sale that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial 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 fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you 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 learn the procedure for your unit.