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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective. Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent. The quantity of air provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use 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 creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce 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. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but security precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively. Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned 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 and allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard! It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If wood burning stoves on sale have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your unit.