Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to function.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.

Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

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 allows the fire to burn through all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned cheap wood burning stoves that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning stoves ideas burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can 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 a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote can build up in large wood burner amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of 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 all over your backyard!

Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.