15 Shocking Facts About Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to be effective.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of 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 environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.

The quantity of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time.  shed wood burner  that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.

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

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens 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. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and 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 requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.

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

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.

Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look 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 fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.