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 need to be warm and clean to function.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To maximize burn time 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 gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for 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 only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor 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'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat 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 one of the main sources of smog we see on clear days.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace 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 has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. second hand wood burning stoves is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or 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. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the yard!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check 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 must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.