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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 also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations. Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults 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 burns. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing 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 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively. Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause 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 softer woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running but should not be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke. Soot is another noxious product of 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 easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep learn more on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed 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 checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.