Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its 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. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry 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 for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. small wood burner include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated corner wood burner , household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the 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 hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.