Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. indoor wood burner should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can 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 the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.