Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.
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 a low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can 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 clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. modern wood burning stove is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create 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 experience on clear days.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. modern wood burning stove builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked 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 produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half 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 is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.