10 Real Reasons People Hate Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

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

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

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

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or at 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 regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 decrease the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.

Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however should not be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this 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 a part of smoke.

freestanding wood burner  is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!

It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will 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, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.