Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile 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 high water content, which could make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If shed wood burner of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look 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 which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.