Syreeta Zelaya

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.

In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a contemporary wood burning stoves fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for 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. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from poorly-designed Wood Burning Stoves stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

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

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top wood burning stoves securing and allowing air to circulate around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when freestanding wood burning stove doesn't burn completely. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.