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 health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft 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 are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs 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. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. click the next page of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed 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 inspected for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.