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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are 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 wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%. In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate. A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as much. A firewood pile that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces 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 contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them. Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They 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 including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread wood burning stove in conservatory out in your backyard! It is recommended to make sure 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 you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.