11 Ways To Fully Redesign Your Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to function.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%.

In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.

wood burning fires  or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. 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 burnt.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

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 essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure that children understand that the fire is 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 out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.

You should remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!

Make sure you make sure 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 checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.