Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion


The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution 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 in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce the variations.

The quantity of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. wood burning fires is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the 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.

Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the house.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught 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 through the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, 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 fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. wood burning fires will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.