20 Things You Need To Know About Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month. top wood burning stoves of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example 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, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger 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-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. indoor wood burner is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. 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 shed wood burner made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. You should remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard! Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.