Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br /><br />Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean in order to function.<br /><br />Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.<br /><br /><br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br />The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.<br /><br />It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.<br /><br />The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.<br /><br />A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.<br /><br />A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.<br /><br />The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.<br /><br />These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.<br /><br />Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or at the house.<br /><br />Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. <a href="https://notes.io/w8GLD">shed wood burner</a> is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can 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 oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.<br /><br />Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.<br /><br />Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.<br /><br />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 soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean 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. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.<br /><br />Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.<br /><br />Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.<br /><br />Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!<br /><br />You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and 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 checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.<br /><br />