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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work. Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot 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 a different factor to consider. 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, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, 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 such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern combustion technology 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, that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we experience on clear days. small wood burning heater and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire – it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. 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 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 your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard! Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your unit.