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3 Reasons Three Reasons Your Wood Burning Fires Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.

Additionally, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.


To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. 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, meaning they will provide more heat for 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 creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially 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 is burnt.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

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

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or around the house.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang cheap wood burning stoves on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce 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, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

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

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.

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