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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit these variations. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. 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 restricted. To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang from this source near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If second hand wood burning stoves of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. second hand wood burning stoves are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician 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 two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.