Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.
The quantity of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. 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 restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried 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 six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating 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 we experience on clear days.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize 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 generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep shed wood burner , neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. wood burning stove for shed are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as an energy source 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 regularly. The technician can check 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 chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.