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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 an essential part of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however the conservatory wood burner fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.

A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor wood burner air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned cheap wood burner. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.

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

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.

Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!

It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.