Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing 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 kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content that could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming 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 experience on clear days.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned conservatory wood burner looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, 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 inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.