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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%. The quantity of air being delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited. To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce wood 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. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log as 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 like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce 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. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or at the house. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently. Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire going, but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This maintenance prevents excessive 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. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. pop over here is also an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.