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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to 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 method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent. In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited. To maximize indoor wood burning stove and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as much. A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner – ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the house. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively. Never burn treated, painted, or household waste 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 can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away 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 seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the yard! Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.