Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure 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 different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far 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 - it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. wood burners for sale can also help prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing 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 fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter 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 area. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your 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 closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.