Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure indoor wood burner and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, 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 warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state 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 creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. top wood burning stoves could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears 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 covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can 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 could cause a chimney fire.
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 using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden 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 a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
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 ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.