Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.

In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood burning stove for shed stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small wood burning heater area is less likely to spread.

A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

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 such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

shed wood burner smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, 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 and formaldehyde and volatile orgalates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also 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 a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. 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 and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.