Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order 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 low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The quantity of air being supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from old, 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 technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we see on clear days.


Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use Wood Burning Stoves Fireplaces & Stoves Links to an external site. in your garden or at home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential 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 the operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

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. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as 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. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.