Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to work. Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed. To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much. A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting 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 organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we see on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the house. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain 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. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted Read Home in your wood-burning stove fireplace. very small wood burner could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half 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 that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.
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