Five Tools Everybody Who Works In The Wood Burning Fires Industry Should Be Using

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.

Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote also get released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However,  freestanding wood burner , clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

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

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

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or in the house.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy 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 inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. 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 during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.