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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. In addition, the quantity 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 faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month. Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but security precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. cheap wood burner can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly treated. 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 and is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite. You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard! Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with 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 unit.