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 function effectively.<br /><br />Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.<br /><br />Efficient Combustion<br /><br />The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.<br /><br />It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.<br /><br />The amount of air that is delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.<br /><br />To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.<br /><br />A firewood pile that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.<br /><br />Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.<br /><br />Clean Burning<br /><br />Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. <a href="https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/categories/wood-burning-stoves">wood burning fireplace Fireplaces And Stoves</a> include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.<br /><br />Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.<br /><br />Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.<br /><br />In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.<br /><br />When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.<br /><br />Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.<br /><br />Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous 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. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.<br /><br />Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.<br /><br />Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.<br /><br />Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.<br /><br />The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.<br /><br />The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.<br /><br />If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. 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 failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.<br /><br />Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.<br /><br />Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!<br /><br />It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your fireplace.<br /><br />