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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%. In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted. A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content that may make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the 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 children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire – it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly – ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going but shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. Best wood burning stoves prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up 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 number of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, wood burning stoves on sale can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn! Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to 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 must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your unit.