Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br /><br />Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical aspect of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to work.<br /><br />Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br /><br /><br />A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation 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 environmental conditions. The best way to minimize the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.<br /><br />The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.<br /><br />A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much.<br /><br />A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. <a href="https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/categories/wood-burning-stoves">best wood burning stove</a> that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.<br /><br />The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs 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 can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. It 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 main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.<br /><br />Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.<br /><br />Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.<br /><br />Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold However, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.<br /><br />Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away 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 />Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.<br /><br />Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.<br /><br />The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.<br /><br />If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.<br /><br />Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.<br /><br />Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.<br /><br />Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard!<br /><br />Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.<br /><br />