Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. Wood Burning Stoves means that they will produce 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 cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your 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 steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the 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 a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
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 shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.