Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing 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 type of fuel and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For modern wood burning stove is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For corner wood burner or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove 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 if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. 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 is darker and cracks appear along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. 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 completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.