10 Things Everybody Hates About Wood Burning Fires

10 Things Everybody Hates About Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to be effective.

Green wood, also known as 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 keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.

The quantity of air being provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as far.

A firewood pile that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning.  small wood burner  that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and 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 uses up more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.

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

When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.


Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

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

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.