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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 soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to work. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive 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 important step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations. Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space 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 have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we see on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in 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 garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. If corner wood burner doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard! It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.