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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to work. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). 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 required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. The quantity of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted. To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days. If used properly small wood burning stove and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to remove 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 in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in 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 fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases. The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard! Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. very small wood burner will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your fireplace.