3 Reasons You're Wood Burning Fires Is Broken (And How To Fix It)

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.

The amount of air provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate 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 equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as 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 outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used, can greatly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we see on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

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

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

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

Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your  wood burning fireplace . Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant 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 inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.

The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are 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 two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your unit.