Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. wood burning fireplace that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making 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 optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, security precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, 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 fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate 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 cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It can also be a fire hazard 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 container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.