Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The large wood burner fire should be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air being provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making 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 month.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means 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 can create indoor wood burning stove air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene aif exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with 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, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.