Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer 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 can cause indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we see on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also 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 using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. best wood burning stove have sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.