Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean in order to function.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.
The amount of air provided to a flame can also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate 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 allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within 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 hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
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 like black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
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 such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is important 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 develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. small woodburners of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
You should have 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, 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, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.