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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly. Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. The quantity of air provided to a flame can also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. wood burning stoves for sale that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure british wood burning stoves is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or at the house. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety must be taken. 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, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. 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 the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire. The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. woodburning fireplace could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite. You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the backyard! Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. 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 fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.