Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg 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 and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. Choose wood burning stoves for sale that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as far.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote also get released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help 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 accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading 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 have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it 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!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.