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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to function. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to light 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 process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations. The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted. A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. Fireplaces & Stoves -open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer 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 wastes energy which could be used to heat your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days. When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or around the house. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, security precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly 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 clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched. Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. 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 could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with 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 anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. 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 doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard! Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.