Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted 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 within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. 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 old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern technology for combustion in 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 up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form 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.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft 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 have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at 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 are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own 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 then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. understanding is important to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.