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 a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.<br /><br />Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br /><br /><br />The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.<br /><br />It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize the variations.<br /><br />In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.<br /><br />To ensure maximum 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. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.<br /><br />A firewood pile that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.<br /><br />Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.<br /><br />These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.<br /><br />If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the home.<br /><br />Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.<br /><br />Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. 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. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.<br /><br />The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but 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.<br /><br />The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.<br /><br />If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.<br /><br />Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.<br /><br />Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It can also be a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.<br /><br />Take <a href="https://carpenter-herndon-3.blogbright.net/large-wood-burning-stove-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-1733480045">contemporary wood burners</a> out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!<br /><br />It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.<br /><br />