Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from 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 pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in 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 starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
talks about it in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the 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 levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.