Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the environment. The best way to minimize the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that can be difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. 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 the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. cast iron wood burner Fireplaces & Stoves is also a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, 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 must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.