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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to minimize these variations. In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to 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. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn slower. To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire – it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If wood burning fires doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.