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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate. To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as much. A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content that could make it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation. indoor wood burner to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not 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 materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.