Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to limit these variations.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. wood burners for sale could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. 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 a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause 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 have not been properly closed or damaged 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 seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look 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 that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.