The Biggest Problem With Wood Burning Fires, And How You Can Repair It

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They should 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 efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to minimize these variations.

Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

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

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

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

If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the house.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be  the advantage  not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. 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 an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during 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 can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. 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. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as 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 adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for any blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.