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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much. A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming 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. If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire – it's more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or in the house. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly 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 clog the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting wood burning stoves ideas is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses. It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard! Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as 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 have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.