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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly. Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. The amount of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate. To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. small wood burning heater that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content, 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 for optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. It also consumes 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. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire – it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize 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 clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.