Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br /><br />The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.<br /><br />Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br />The wood fire must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.<br /><br />It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20%.<br /><br />In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.<br /><br /><a href="https://hernandezploug8.livejournal.com/profile">corner wood burner</a> or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.<br /><br />A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.<br /><br />Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens 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. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.<br /><br />In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.<br /><br />Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.<br /><br />Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.<br /><br />Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.<br /><br />Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.<br /><br />Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.<br /><br />The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.<br /><br />Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.<br /><br />Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water 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.<br /><br />Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.<br /><br />The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!<br /><br />It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney 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 fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.<br /><br />