Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned contemporary wood burning stoves is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for wood burning fireplace six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

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

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned corner wood burner to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire using very small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger 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 fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!

Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.