Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br /><br />The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work.<br /><br />Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br />A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.<br /><br />It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.<br /><br />The amount of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.<br /><br />A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.<br /><br />A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.<br /><br />Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat with 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.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.<br /><br />Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.<br /><br /><br /><br />The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.<br /><br />When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.<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 important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.<br /><br />Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.<br /><br />Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.<br /><br />Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.<br /><br />The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.<br /><br />If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.<br /><br />Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.<br /><br />Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.<br /><br />You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!<br /><br />It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. <a href="https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/categories/wood-burning-stoves">Fireplaces And Stoves</a> can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.<br /><br />