Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off 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 emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air that is provided to a flame can also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as 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 soft and thin woods like fir or pine. 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. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is 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 during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. shed wood burner could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause 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 fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.