Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for 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 wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your 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.
Always wait until corner wood burning stove are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this 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 atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It can also be a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.