Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. woodburning fireplace -open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using wood burning stoves for sale for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove 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 an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, wood burning stoves for sale can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.