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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. fireplacesandstoves is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively. Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.