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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively. Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent. Additionally, the amount 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 more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited. To increase the time of burning 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 allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and will 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 much. 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 contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. small wood burner that could be used for to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days. When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. 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 wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or at the home. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently. Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using corner wood burner , like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.