Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood burning stove for shed fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.

The quantity of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood burning stoves for sale fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as far.

A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example, white pine or Wood burning fires spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will 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 creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in 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 or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.

Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire going but shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burner burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and Wood burning fires a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.