Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. indoor wood burning stove -open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can drastically reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft 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 have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. 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 any issues that might develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.