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https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/products/eco-design-4-3kw-cast-iron-woodburning-stove

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating Theyre also an essential part of our health and wellbeing They should be hot and clean to work Green or unseasoned wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F 900 deg F in ideal conditions in ideal conditions where the secondary combustion process starts This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke creosote and buildup in the flue wwwfireplacesandstovesuk is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20 to limit these variations Additionally the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency The wideopen setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as far A welldried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning When wood is cut just recently and hasnt had time to dry out it will have a high water content which may make it difficult to burn It is recommended to only use wellseasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory however the BTU values of the latter are higher meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned It is important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs like benzoa pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene Volatile tars such as creosote are also released when firewood is burnt Smoke from poorlydesigned wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog If used properly however modern combustion technology in cleanburning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions Stage 1 Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue This takes 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 In the flue these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days If used properly when used correctly wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoallike states which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because its more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than wellseasoned wood Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke which could cause chimney fires Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them Be sure to store or dispose of them properly ashes can reignite when exposed to water and they are hazardous in landfills Instead make sure to make use of them in your garden or at the home Storing seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation Safety Its difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night but precautions for safety should be taken When fires are built incorrectly left unattended or burned dangerous fumes can enter the home Creosote can also build up in the chimney These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively Never burn painted or treated wood household garbage paper rags and other combustible materials in your woodburning stove or fireplace They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter Kerosene gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains toys and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace Make sure your children know that the fireplace is 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 emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped Keep your wood outside neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them Be cautious not to overload 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 own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry split and wellseasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces Avoid using softer woods like pine which can be a good starter material to get your fire going but shouldnt be used for anything more than These soft woods contain resin and sap which when burned releases too much creosote in the chimney Maintenance A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency Creosote a dark hard flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not 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 failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed cracks in the chimneys liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden 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 results is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood Soot is less brittle than creosote but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface Dont forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants Spread them out in your yard It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis 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 doublestage chimney that includes an air tube it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit