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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to be effective. Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%. In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as far. A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, 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 warm your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly – ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or at the house. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand 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. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with 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 reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When shed wood burner of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire 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 a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.