Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.

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

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults 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. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety


There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. wood burning stove for shed hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. 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 partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove 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 with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.