Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist 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 burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. 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 maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like 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 by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce the 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 it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat 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 that we experience on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned linked internet page has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, 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 factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.