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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 clean and hot in order to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning. top wood burning stoves must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. The quantity of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as far. A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home. Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. 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 flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. shed wood burner of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your 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 the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.