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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 to be effective. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to minimize these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%. The amount of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also critical to 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 to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, 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 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 can cause respiratory distress, especially 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. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we experience on clear days. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. 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 fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. large wood burner in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. 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 hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard! 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, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.