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15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Overlook Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean in order to work.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The quantity of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take 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 is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example, 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 higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern wood burning stove for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up 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 heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety


It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand 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 during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If small wood burning heater own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This can 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 soft woods, like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods have sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.

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

You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. 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 should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.

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