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20 Things You Need To Know About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.

Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce these variations.

Additionally, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood pile that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Fireplaces & Stoves from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.


Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to 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 or sour wood for 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 thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. 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 around the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. 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 method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

The ashes should be removed and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.

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