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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When Fireplaces And Stoves is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire – it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them. Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.