Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. 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 sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

In addition, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.


A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. woodburning fireplace builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your unit.