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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work. Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to light 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 A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations. Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed. A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. go here may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted second hand wood burning stoves , household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading 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, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.