Val Truitt

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned cheap wood burner has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.

The amount of air provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high water content that can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood burner is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and 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 fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood burners for sale stove not to work as effectively.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

The ashes should be removed and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.