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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 an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce the variations. Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate. A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far. A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce 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 produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. wood burning stoves near me that could be put to use warming your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we see on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. 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 also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the house. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take click here for more info out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.