Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.

Green, or Wood Burning Fires unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The Best wood burning stoves way to minimize the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.

The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCsr and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the house.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night, but security precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your woodburning fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and Wood burning fires keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. This is due to the fact that up to 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 condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.