15 Surprising Facts About Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our health and well-being. But,  freestanding wood burner  must be clean and hot to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite 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 heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.

To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing 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 through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the house.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

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 soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!

It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.