Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot to function effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to minimize the variations.
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 hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
corner wood burner from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. small wood burner emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.