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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 part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to function. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning. woodburning fireplace in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations. The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as much. A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we experience on clear days. If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using dry, split, 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 are a great starter material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to spend winter nights. It is essential 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 maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. 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 inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard! It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.