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second hand wood burning stoves Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on 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 duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much. A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults 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 burned the volatile tars like creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern combustion technology 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 up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or in the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will 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 is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, security precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce 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 could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire, 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 part of smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.