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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood Burning Fires (Nativ.Media) are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

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

Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using very small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood burning stoves for sale is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best wood burning stove method to avoid problems that may develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning freestanding wood burning stove is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.