Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or at the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, security precautions should be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
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 wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On wood burning fireplace Fireplaces And Stoves , the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer 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 combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of 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 yard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.