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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work. Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist 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 A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. The quantity of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower. To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust 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 for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization moisture: As the wood heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. cast iron wood burner is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them. Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the 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 can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper 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 inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.