Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
wood burner is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce these 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 prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have 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 using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
You should have 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 the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.