Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. 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, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. small wood burning stove , although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.