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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations. The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce 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. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or around the house. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them. Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can 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 could lead to a chimney fire. The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. outside wood burners produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible. You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.