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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean to function effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.

In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in 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. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions.

cast iron wood burning stove - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

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

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can 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 could cause a chimney fire.

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 with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.


If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the yard!

Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.

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