15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce 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. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the house.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney.  shed wood burner  can clog up the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in 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 extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 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 a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning it 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.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!

It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.