Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood burning stove in conservatory that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour corner wood burner for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning 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 the operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, security precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small wood burner pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, 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 burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

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 ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, 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, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.