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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The amount of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted. To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A firewood load that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home. small woodburners in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. very small wood burning stove is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we see on clear days. When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, security precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. 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. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going, but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard! Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.
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