15 Reasons Not To Overlook Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to function.

Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires.  wood burning stoves small , lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove 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 with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.