Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br /><br />Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.<br /><br />Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br />A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.<br /><br />It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.<br /><br />Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.<br /><br />A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.<br /><br />A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which may make 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.<br /><br />The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, 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 higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.<br /><br />These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.<br /><br />If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or around the home.<br /><br />Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.<br /><br />Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.<br /><br />Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.<br /><br />The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.<br /><br />Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.<br /><br />Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.<br /><br />Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.<br /><br />It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!<br /><br />Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. <a href="https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/categories/wood-burning-stoves">wood burning stove in conservatory Fireplaces &amp; Stoves</a> will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.<br /><br />